Unveiling the Nexus: Examining the Influence of Career Plateau on Knowledge Hiding, with a Lack of Workplace Friendship as a Mediator and Career Stages as a Moderator Among Thai Workers

Abstract

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In the Thai work landscape, the challenge of limited upward mobility prompts practices of knowledge withholding for competitiveness. Drawing from diverse industry experiences in Thailand, employees with tenure often conceal knowledge due to perceived workplace inequities. Workplace friendships, especially with supervisors, gain significance for long-term commitment, fostering trust and collaboration. The study explores the complex role of workplace friendships across career stages, revealing a mediating effect on the relationship between career plateau and knowledge hiding. The study aims first to examine the relationship between career plateau (hierarchical and job-content plateau) and knowledge hiding among Thai workers. Second, explore workplace friendship’s mediating role in this relationship. Finally, investigate how career stages influence the interplay among plateau experiences, workplace friendship, and knowledge hiding. Survey data from 211 participants working in private and public sectors in Thailand, with at least one year of tenure in the current organization, were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25 and the Hayes PROCESS macro 4.2 for descriptive, mediating, and moderating effects analyses. This study addresses a gap in the literature by examining the impact of hierarchical/job-content plateaus as significant challenges and the role of workplace friendships as potential mechanisms toward knowledge hiding. The findings offer valuable insights for HR practitioners and organizations, enhancing their understanding of the intense workplace dynamics that lead employees to withhold knowledge. By leveraging these insights, organizations can develop strategies to mitigate these issues and better retain talented employees.Keywords: career plateau, hierarchical plateau, job-content plateau, knowledge hiding, workplace friendship, career stages