Identifying the Causes of Knowledge Hoarding in Professional Service Firms: A Phenomenological Approach

Abstract

Knowledge hoarding is a subtle yet pervasive issue in professional service environments. This study adopts a phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of 15 consultants from top-tier consulting and accounting firms who have observed or engaged in knowledge withholding behaviors. Analysis revealed four interrelated causes: fear of losing competitive edge, lack of organizational reward for sharing, cultural distrust, and unclear knowledge ownership. Participants emphasized the silent organizational norms that reinforce protective knowledge behaviors. Findings highlight the need for systemic interventions to build a collaborative knowledge-sharing culture in knowledge-intensive firms.