메신저시스템 활용을 통한 지식공유가 조직구성원의 혁신행위와 개인성과에 미치는 영향

Although many companies are using Instant Messaging (IM) systems as a corporate communication tool, there still exists some dispute regarding the effect of IM on performance. Existing research suggests that the use of IM helps employees strengthen social network or stimulate knowledge sharing. The other research indicates the role of IM use on team performance by facilitating interpersonal communication. However, less specific and systematic investigation has been conducted on the effect of IM on performance in organizations. Conceptualizing IM use as knowledge sharing via IM, this study hypothesizes that knowledge sharing via IM use increases employees’ innovative behaviors (incremental innovation and radical innovation). This study also investigates the effect of each innovative behaviors on individual performance. Results from the online survey using employees in various U.S. companies show that knowledge sharing via IM increases employees’ innovative behaviors and incremental innovation facilitates employees’ performance. This study also finds radical innovation has negative influence on individual performance by increasing inefficient behaviors. However, it could not find significant, direct effect of radical innovation on employees’ performance. Theoretical and practical implications are presented.