The Impact Mechanism of Perceived Overqualification on Knowledge Sharing Intention among New Generation Employees

Research Article
Open access

The Impact Mechanism of Perceived Overqualification on Knowledge Sharing Intention among New Generation Employees

Yang Li 1*
  • 1 Department of Economics and Management, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China    
  • *corresponding author liee_young@163.com
AEMPS Vol.192
ISSN (Print): 2754-1177
ISSN (Online): 2754-1169
ISBN (Print): 978-1-80590-195-2
ISBN (Online): 978-1-80590-196-9

Abstract

New generation employees generally feel overqualified, but how this impacts their knowledge sharing intention is unclear. This study combines resource conservation theory, self-determination theory, and job crafting theory to create a dual - path model of "perceived overqualification → promotion focus/job crafting → knowledge sharing intention". It also uses innovation climate as a moderating variable to explore organizational situational effects. A structural equation model from 306 new generation employee questionnaires and Bootstrap method for effect testing show: 1 Perceived overqualification indirectly boosts knowledge sharing intention via promotion focus and job crafting, with no direct effect. 2 Innovation climate strengthens perceived overqualification’s impact on promotion focus and job crafting, enhancing indirect effects in high - innovation climates. The findings go beyond the "resource shortage" view, offering a way to solve the "high qualifications - low sharing" paradox and giving businesses theoretical and practical guidance for unlocking knowledge potential through innovation climate building.

Keywords:

Perceived Overqualification, Knowledge Sharing Intention, Promotion Focus, Job Crafting, Innovation Climate

Li,Y. (2025). The Impact Mechanism of Perceived Overqualification on Knowledge Sharing Intention among New Generation Employees. Advances in Economics, Management and Political Sciences,192,18-27.
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References

[1]. Zhang, M. J., K. S. Law and B. Lin (2016). "You think you are big fish in a small pond? Perceived overqualification, goal orientations, and proactivity at work." Journal of Organizational Behavior 37(1): 61-84.

[2]. Hu, Z. H., & Li, J. S. (2023). " The Synergy Effect of Benevolence Leadership and Moral Leadership on Chinese New Generation Employees' Knowledge-Sharing Behavior." Journal of Business Economics (02): 5-16.

[3]. Cao, Z. (2017). "Absorptive Capacity, Knowledge Sharing, and the Relationship with Innovative Behavior of University Students." Journal of Higher Education (15): 37 - 39.

[4]. Wang, J., Guo, Y., Liu, Y., & Wang, Y. (2020). "An Empirical Study on the Relationship Between Knowledge Sharing, Learning Ability and Supply Chain Competitive Performance." Economic Affairs (03): 40 - 50.

[5]. Zhang, S. (2017). "Knowledge sharing behavior in online learning spaces: a social exchange theory perspective." Chinese Journal of Distance Education (07): 26 - 33+47+80.

[6]. Deng, L. (2019). "The Empirical Research on Influence Factors of Scientific Research Personnel's Knowledge Sharing Intention in Virtual Academic Community: Based on the Perspective of Trust." Library Journal 38(09): 63 - 69+108.

[7]. Wang, N., Chen, X., & Chen, J. (2019). "Research on the Influence of Material Rewards on Knowledge Sharing:Controversy and Integration." Science & Technology Progress and Policy 36(02): 135 - 143.

[8]. Xu, C., & He, Z. (2019). "How Individual Differences Affect Knowledge-sharing Behavior:Multiple Mediating Effects of Intrinsic Motivation." Science and Technology Management Research 39(05): 153 - 158.

[9]. Yang, X., & Li, X. (2021). "Influence of Big Five Personality on Knowledge Sharing in Virtual Community:Taking Self-efficacy as Mediating Variable." Information Research (12): 1 - 6.

[10]. Shi, Q., Wang, H., & Guo, Y. (2022). "A Study on the Multiple Mediating Effects of Dual Leadership on Employees’ Knowledge Sharing Behavior." Journal of Hainan Normal University (Social Sciences) 35(01): 112 - 120.

[11]. Fan, Y., & Du, J. (2024). "A Study on the Impact of Transformational Leadership on Employee Knowledge Sharing - The Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy." Modern Enterprise Culture (09): 137 - 139.

[12]. Zhao, X., Wang, M., Xiao, J., Zhang, Y., & Wang, B. (2024). "How a Team′s External Territorial Behavior Affects Team Knowledge Sharing:The Role of Team Psychological Safety Climate and Team Mindfulness." Science & Technology Progress and Policy 41(14): 142 - 150.

[13]. Yin, K., Sun, J., Liu, Y., & Song, H. (2015). "Effects of Workplace Friendship on Knowledge Sharing Intention: Test of A Moderated Mediator Model." Science of Science and Management of S.& T. 36(08): 160 - 169.

[14]. Chao, G., Liu, Q., Qian, C., & Wang, L. (2020). "Research on the Relationship Between Leadership-Member Exchange and Knowledge Sharing Under Self-concept." Science and Technology Management Research 40(18): 188 - 195.

[15]. Connelly, C. E., D. Zweig, J. Webster and J. P. Trougakos (2012). "Knowledge hiding in organizations." Journal of Organizational Behavior 33(1): 64-88.

[16]. Li, C., S. Xuebo and D. Yingying (2025). "How does perceived overqualification affect employees' knowledge sharing decisions in the context of digital transformation?" Telematics and Informatics Reports 18.

[17]. Hu, Y., L. Zhou, P. Huang, Q. Liu and H. Liu (2024). "Dimensions of Job Demands Among New-Generation Employees Based on Online Reviews by Employees." Behavioral Sciences 14(11): 990.

[18]. Mahmoud, A. B., L. Fuxman, I. Mohr, W. D. Reisel and N. Grigoriou (2021). "“We aren't your reincarnation!” workplace motivation across X, Y and Z generations." International Journal of Manpower 42(1): 193-209.

[19]. Peng, Z., & Chen, T. (2022). "An Exploration of the Impact Mechanism of Remote Working Intensity on Knowledge Sharing Willingness of Enterprise Employees - The Mediating Role of Job Crafting." Hubei Social Sciences (01): 77 - 87.

[20]. Li, J., & Zhang, H. (2024). "Meta-analysis of the Relationship Between Personalized Contracts and Employee Innovation." Leadership Science (06): 87 - 95.

[21]. Hobfoll, S. E., J. Halbesleben, J.-P. Neveu and M. Westman (2018). "Conservation of Resources in the Organizational Context: The Reality of Resources and Their Consequences." Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior 5(Volume 5, 2018): 103-128.

[22]. Yang, W., & Li, C. (2021). "The relationship between perceived overqualification and individual performance and mediating mechanisms: A meta-analytic review and examination of emotional and cognitive processing systems and cultural contexts." Acta Psychologica Sinica 53(05): 527 - 554.

[23]. Ma, L., & Wang, J. (2024). "The Influence of the New Generation of Employees' Perceived Overqualification on Deviant Innovation Behavior:A Moderated Multiple-mediation Model." Science & Technology Progress and Policy 41(10): 140 - 149.

[24]. Ma, L., & Wang, J. (2024). "The Influence of the New Generation of Employees' Perceived Overqualification on Deviant Innovation Behavior:A Moderated Multiple-mediation Model." Science & Technology Progress and Policy 41(10): 140 - 149.

[25]. Swann, W. B. (1987). "Identity negotiation: Where two roads meet." Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 53(6): 1038-1051.

[26]. Yong, C. C. and P. L. Teh (2015). "Knowledge Sharing in is Personnel: Organizational Behavior's Perspective." Journal of Computer Information Systems 51(4): 11-21.

[27]. Zhao, S., C. Ma and X. Zhang (2024). "Hey boss, I’m overqualified! Exploring how overqualified employees engage in followership behaviors through coping strategies." International Journal of Stress Management.

[28]. Wrzesniewski, A. and J. E. Dutton (2001). "Crafting a Job: Revisioning Employees as Active Crafters of Their Work." Academy of Management Review 26(2): 179-201.

[29]. Lin, S., Li, Y., Huang, A., & Pei, J. (2022). "The Internal Mechanism of Perceived Overqualification Influencing Employees' Creativity:The Perspective of Resource Preservation." Science of Science and Management of S.& T. 43(04): 174 - 192.

[30]. Gao, J., & Chen, A. (2023). "A Study on the Impact of Job Crafting on Work Meaning of New Generation Employees in the Digital Age." Theoretical Investigation (06): 140 - 148.

[31]. Zhou, X., & Wang, W. (2021). "Effects of Perceived Overqualification on Knowledge-based Employee's Bootlegging: A Moderated Mediation Model." Science and Technology Management Research 41(01): 151 - 159.

[32]. Zhang, Y., & Chen, X. (2024). "The Double-Edge Sword Effect of AI Anxiety on Employees' Innovative Work Behavior." Journal of Management 37(06): 127 - 142.

[33]. Maynard, D. C. and N. M. Parfyonova (2013). "Perceived overqualification and withdrawal behaviours: Examining the roles of job attitudes and work values." Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology 86(3): 435-455.

[34]. Neubert, M. J., K. M. Kacmar, D. S. Carlson, L. B. Chonko and J. A. Roberts (2008). "Regulatory focus as a mediator of the influence of initiating structure and servant leadership on employee behavior." Journal of applied psychology 93(6): 1220.

[35]. Petrou, P., E. Demerouti, M. C. Peeters, W. B. Schaufeli and J. Hetland (2012). "Crafting a job on a daily basis: Contextual correlates and the link to work engagement." Journal of Organizational Behavior 33(8): 1120-1141.

[36]. Bock, G.-W., R. W. Zmud, Y.-G. Kim and J.-N. Lee (2005). "Behavioral intention formation in knowledge sharing: Examining the roles of extrinsic motivators, social-psychological forces, and organizational climate." MIS quarterly: 87-111.

[37]. Liu, Y., Shi, J., & Zhang, W. (2009). "A research of innovative climate:definition, classification and scale development." Studies in Science of Science 27(02): 289 - 294.

Cite this article

Li,Y. (2025). The Impact Mechanism of Perceived Overqualification on Knowledge Sharing Intention among New Generation Employees. Advances in Economics, Management and Political Sciences,192,18-27.

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The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study will be available from the authors upon reasonable request.

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Volume title: Proceedings of ICMRED 2025 Symposium: Effective Communication as a Powerful Management Tool

ISBN：978-1-80590-195-2(Print) / 978-1-80590-196-9(Online)
Editor：Lukáš Vartiak
Conference website: https://2025.icmred.org/Bratislava.html
Conference date: 30 May 2025
Series: Advances in Economics, Management and Political Sciences
Volume number: Vol.192
ISSN：2754-1169(Print) / 2754-1177(Online)

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References

[1]. Zhang, M. J., K. S. Law and B. Lin (2016). "You think you are big fish in a small pond? Perceived overqualification, goal orientations, and proactivity at work." Journal of Organizational Behavior 37(1): 61-84.

[2]. Hu, Z. H., & Li, J. S. (2023). " The Synergy Effect of Benevolence Leadership and Moral Leadership on Chinese New Generation Employees' Knowledge-Sharing Behavior." Journal of Business Economics (02): 5-16.

[3]. Cao, Z. (2017). "Absorptive Capacity, Knowledge Sharing, and the Relationship with Innovative Behavior of University Students." Journal of Higher Education (15): 37 - 39.

[4]. Wang, J., Guo, Y., Liu, Y., & Wang, Y. (2020). "An Empirical Study on the Relationship Between Knowledge Sharing, Learning Ability and Supply Chain Competitive Performance." Economic Affairs (03): 40 - 50.

[5]. Zhang, S. (2017). "Knowledge sharing behavior in online learning spaces: a social exchange theory perspective." Chinese Journal of Distance Education (07): 26 - 33+47+80.

[6]. Deng, L. (2019). "The Empirical Research on Influence Factors of Scientific Research Personnel's Knowledge Sharing Intention in Virtual Academic Community: Based on the Perspective of Trust." Library Journal 38(09): 63 - 69+108.

[7]. Wang, N., Chen, X., & Chen, J. (2019). "Research on the Influence of Material Rewards on Knowledge Sharing:Controversy and Integration." Science & Technology Progress and Policy 36(02): 135 - 143.

[8]. Xu, C., & He, Z. (2019). "How Individual Differences Affect Knowledge-sharing Behavior:Multiple Mediating Effects of Intrinsic Motivation." Science and Technology Management Research 39(05): 153 - 158.

[9]. Yang, X., & Li, X. (2021). "Influence of Big Five Personality on Knowledge Sharing in Virtual Community:Taking Self-efficacy as Mediating Variable." Information Research (12): 1 - 6.

[10]. Shi, Q., Wang, H., & Guo, Y. (2022). "A Study on the Multiple Mediating Effects of Dual Leadership on Employees’ Knowledge Sharing Behavior." Journal of Hainan Normal University (Social Sciences) 35(01): 112 - 120.

[11]. Fan, Y., & Du, J. (2024). "A Study on the Impact of Transformational Leadership on Employee Knowledge Sharing - The Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy." Modern Enterprise Culture (09): 137 - 139.

[12]. Zhao, X., Wang, M., Xiao, J., Zhang, Y., & Wang, B. (2024). "How a Team′s External Territorial Behavior Affects Team Knowledge Sharing:The Role of Team Psychological Safety Climate and Team Mindfulness." Science & Technology Progress and Policy 41(14): 142 - 150.

[13]. Yin, K., Sun, J., Liu, Y., & Song, H. (2015). "Effects of Workplace Friendship on Knowledge Sharing Intention: Test of A Moderated Mediator Model." Science of Science and Management of S.& T. 36(08): 160 - 169.

[14]. Chao, G., Liu, Q., Qian, C., & Wang, L. (2020). "Research on the Relationship Between Leadership-Member Exchange and Knowledge Sharing Under Self-concept." Science and Technology Management Research 40(18): 188 - 195.

[15]. Connelly, C. E., D. Zweig, J. Webster and J. P. Trougakos (2012). "Knowledge hiding in organizations." Journal of Organizational Behavior 33(1): 64-88.

[16]. Li, C., S. Xuebo and D. Yingying (2025). "How does perceived overqualification affect employees' knowledge sharing decisions in the context of digital transformation?" Telematics and Informatics Reports 18.

[17]. Hu, Y., L. Zhou, P. Huang, Q. Liu and H. Liu (2024). "Dimensions of Job Demands Among New-Generation Employees Based on Online Reviews by Employees." Behavioral Sciences 14(11): 990.

[18]. Mahmoud, A. B., L. Fuxman, I. Mohr, W. D. Reisel and N. Grigoriou (2021). "“We aren't your reincarnation!” workplace motivation across X, Y and Z generations." International Journal of Manpower 42(1): 193-209.

[19]. Peng, Z., & Chen, T. (2022). "An Exploration of the Impact Mechanism of Remote Working Intensity on Knowledge Sharing Willingness of Enterprise Employees - The Mediating Role of Job Crafting." Hubei Social Sciences (01): 77 - 87.

[20]. Li, J., & Zhang, H. (2024). "Meta-analysis of the Relationship Between Personalized Contracts and Employee Innovation." Leadership Science (06): 87 - 95.

[21]. Hobfoll, S. E., J. Halbesleben, J.-P. Neveu and M. Westman (2018). "Conservation of Resources in the Organizational Context: The Reality of Resources and Their Consequences." Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior 5(Volume 5, 2018): 103-128.

[22]. Yang, W., & Li, C. (2021). "The relationship between perceived overqualification and individual performance and mediating mechanisms: A meta-analytic review and examination of emotional and cognitive processing systems and cultural contexts." Acta Psychologica Sinica 53(05): 527 - 554.

[23]. Ma, L., & Wang, J. (2024). "The Influence of the New Generation of Employees' Perceived Overqualification on Deviant Innovation Behavior:A Moderated Multiple-mediation Model." Science & Technology Progress and Policy 41(10): 140 - 149.

[24]. Ma, L., & Wang, J. (2024). "The Influence of the New Generation of Employees' Perceived Overqualification on Deviant Innovation Behavior:A Moderated Multiple-mediation Model." Science & Technology Progress and Policy 41(10): 140 - 149.

[25]. Swann, W. B. (1987). "Identity negotiation: Where two roads meet." Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 53(6): 1038-1051.

[26]. Yong, C. C. and P. L. Teh (2015). "Knowledge Sharing in is Personnel: Organizational Behavior's Perspective." Journal of Computer Information Systems 51(4): 11-21.

[27]. Zhao, S., C. Ma and X. Zhang (2024). "Hey boss, I’m overqualified! Exploring how overqualified employees engage in followership behaviors through coping strategies." International Journal of Stress Management.

[28]. Wrzesniewski, A. and J. E. Dutton (2001). "Crafting a Job: Revisioning Employees as Active Crafters of Their Work." Academy of Management Review 26(2): 179-201.

[29]. Lin, S., Li, Y., Huang, A., & Pei, J. (2022). "The Internal Mechanism of Perceived Overqualification Influencing Employees' Creativity:The Perspective of Resource Preservation." Science of Science and Management of S.& T. 43(04): 174 - 192.

[30]. Gao, J., & Chen, A. (2023). "A Study on the Impact of Job Crafting on Work Meaning of New Generation Employees in the Digital Age." Theoretical Investigation (06): 140 - 148.

[31]. Zhou, X., & Wang, W. (2021). "Effects of Perceived Overqualification on Knowledge-based Employee's Bootlegging: A Moderated Mediation Model." Science and Technology Management Research 41(01): 151 - 159.

[32]. Zhang, Y., & Chen, X. (2024). "The Double-Edge Sword Effect of AI Anxiety on Employees' Innovative Work Behavior." Journal of Management 37(06): 127 - 142.

[33]. Maynard, D. C. and N. M. Parfyonova (2013). "Perceived overqualification and withdrawal behaviours: Examining the roles of job attitudes and work values." Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology 86(3): 435-455.

[34]. Neubert, M. J., K. M. Kacmar, D. S. Carlson, L. B. Chonko and J. A. Roberts (2008). "Regulatory focus as a mediator of the influence of initiating structure and servant leadership on employee behavior." Journal of applied psychology 93(6): 1220.

[35]. Petrou, P., E. Demerouti, M. C. Peeters, W. B. Schaufeli and J. Hetland (2012). "Crafting a job on a daily basis: Contextual correlates and the link to work engagement." Journal of Organizational Behavior 33(8): 1120-1141.

[36]. Bock, G.-W., R. W. Zmud, Y.-G. Kim and J.-N. Lee (2005). "Behavioral intention formation in knowledge sharing: Examining the roles of extrinsic motivators, social-psychological forces, and organizational climate." MIS quarterly: 87-111.

[37]. Liu, Y., Shi, J., & Zhang, W. (2009). "A research of innovative climate:definition, classification and scale development." Studies in Science of Science 27(02): 289 - 294.

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