The impact of knowledge sharing and Islamic work ethic on innovation capability

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present an in‐depth analysis of the knowledge sharing enablers and the moderating role of Islamic work ethic (IWE) on the relationship between knowledge sharing and innovation capability in the public sector organizations. Design/methodology/approach – The foundations of knowledge sharing capability, IWE and innovation capability were assessed using a validated survey instrument. A total of 472 Administrative and Diplomatic Service Officers from the Malaysian public sector organizations participated in the survey. Findings – The empirical results indicate that the intrinsic motivation to share knowledge is significant in the public sector organizations. The relationship between knowledge sharing capability and innovation capability of employees in the public sector organizations was found to be contingent on IWE. Research limitations/implications – While the study was salient and confined to the Malaysian public sector organizations, it has considerable implications for the development of an optimistic workforce in other regions and across sectors. Cross‐sectional studies are encouraged to further confirm the results. Practical implications – An understanding of the pledge of the workforce to knowledge sharing, IWE and its consequences for innovativeness facilitates public sector organizations in designing and implementing modernization initiatives. Originality/value – In response to the substantial need to examine IWE and workplace outcomes in a non‐Western environment, the paper embraces the extent to which IWE sways the link between knowledge sharing and innovation capability in the public sector organizations. Both scholars and practitioners will find the study valuable.