Purpose This study aims to evaluate the impact of extrinsic, intrinsic and amotivation on an individual’s knowledge-sharing behavior. Design/methodology/approach The authors reviewed the literature on self-determination theory (SDT) as an applied predictor of knowledge-sharing behavior, and documented the extent to which SDT conceptual framework components have been studied in relation to predict knowledge sharing. Findings Building from SDT and its sub-theories, this study uncovers a gap in the knowledge-sharing literature as the continuum of the SDT framework has yet to fully be applied to knowledge-sharing behavior. Originality/value Contributing to the literature on knowledge management and knowledge sharing, this study is the first, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, of its kind to apply Deci and Ryan’s self-determination continuum, in its entirety, to a knowledge-sharing conceptual framework. The authors thereby address the potential impact of amotivation on an individual’s knowledge-sharing behavior.