The impact of AMO (ability, motivation and opportunity) model on knowledge sharing in family controlled businesses in Hong Kong clothing industry

This study analyses the relationship between knowledge sharing, family controlled businesses (FCBs), training for workers, incentive systems and trust in Hong Kong’s Clothing Industry (HKCI). The study contributes by investigating the impact of the ability, motivation and opportunity (AMO) paradigm focusing on training for workers(A), incentive systems(M) and trust(O) and the moderating effects of Family control businesses (FCBs) on knowledge sharing in Hong Kong’s clothing industry. Such an investigation is timely and relevant when a number of Chinese family businesses are facing the dilemma of succeeding their businesses through appropriate governance structures, operations and systems so as to continue their entrepreneurial spirit and effectively manage the generational transitions in Hong Kong (HK) (Au, K et al. 2013).These challenges result in failure of some family control businesses from managing succession and intergenerational leadership Issues (Chua et al., 2003; Long & Chrisman, 2014). Thus, sharing key knowledge by people in FCBs through appropriate people management practices is important for sustained succession in FCBs. The AMO paradigm has received considerable research attention in the field of Human Resource Management (HRM) in the last two decades. The AMO model offers a useful framework for studying how certain HRM practices can impact knowledge sharing performance outcomes. Based on a review of literature, a conceptual model showing the constructs of AMO was developed and six hypotheses were then generated and tested in this research. The findings of the research suggest that incentive systems and trust have a significant impact on knowledge sharing but training for workers does not have any significant impact on knowledge sharing. The findings also revealed that variables of training for workers, incentive systems, and trust have a significant and negative impact for FCBs. Overall, the findings from this study have implications for theory and practice. The results highlight the relationships among the AMO components and Knowledge sharing performance in a new context, especially by analysing the moderating impact of FCBs. In terms of managerial implications for practice, this research highlights that FCBs need to focus strategically on AMO components that contribute most in enhancing a firm’s knowledge sharing performance.