IntroductionContributors’ self-identity is a critical element in the sustainable development of online knowledge communities (OKCs). However, research concerning the formation mechanism of contributors’ self-identity remains scarce. This research posits information support, novel posting and sense of self-worth as mediating variables between social identity and self-identity to construct a path model, aiming to explore the way in which self-identity is formed on the basis of social identity in OKCs.MethodsTo examine this mode, an online survey was administered to many different OKCs, and 515 usable questionnaire responses were collected. Structural equation modeling was then employed to examine the model.ResultsThe R2 value of self-identity was 0.627, thus indicating that the model was able to explain 62.7% of the variance in self-identity. We find that self-identity emerges through the mediating effects of information support, novel posting and sense of self-worth. In addition, social identity can elicit novel posting and information support, which are all beneficial for enhancing the dynamics of OKCs and further generate sense of self-worth. We also observe that although social identity and individualized behavior (novel posting) are generally incompatible, they can be compatible in the context of OKCs.DiscussionSelf-identity as a contributor can be formed on the basis of social identity via the social path and the psychological path in OKCs, while the two paths for fostering self-identity are not independent of each other, and there is also a very strong link between behavioral and psychological mechanisms.

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User stickiness is crucial to the growth of live video streaming platforms. The broadcaster is the most important individual in a live video platform, and this study explores the formation mechanism of user stickiness based on the professionalism of the broadcasters. An online survey was conducted in the WeChat and QQ groups to evaluate the research model, yielding 202 usable questionnaires. The model was then examined using structural equation modeling. We have found that the professionalism of the broadcaster can generate broadcaster identification and perceived value, both of which can further produce user stickiness. In addition, we also found that broadcaster identification has a facilitating effect on perceived value. Exploring the formation mechanism of user stickiness on live video streaming platforms can provide important practical guidance for managers of the platforms.

Social identity is a key factor in the sustainable development of online knowledge communities (OKCs). The purpose of this research is to explore the formation mechanism of the respective social identities of lurkers and posters, based on knowledge contribution behavior. To evaluate the research model, an online survey was conducted in the WeChat group and QQ group, which yielded 469 usable questionnaire responses. Structural equation modeling was then adapted to examine the model. We found that knowledge contribution can produce social and psychological outcomes (i.e., cognitive communication, parasocial interaction, a sense of self-worth, social support, and social identity). The posters’ social identity arises through the mediating effects of information support and cognitive communication, while the lurkers’ social identity arises through the mediating effect of parasocial interaction. In addition, this research reveals that personalized behaviors and social identity can coexist in OKCs. Our findings may provide theoretical and practical enlightenment for managers to achieve sustainable and successful operations in OKCs.

In this study we examined inclusive leadership as an important factor in promoting the emotional labor strategies of frontline medical staff, and investigated the role of work regulatory focus as a mediator in this relationship. Data were collected from 52 supervisors and 231 frontline medical staff employed at 15 hospitals in China. We found that inclusive leadership inspired frontline medical staff to engage more in deep acting than in surface acting. Further, work regulatory focus played a mediating role in the relationship between inclusive leadership and subordinates' emotional labor strategy. Promotion focus positively affected deep acting and negatively affected surface acting, and prevention focus positively affected both surface acting and deep acting. Theoretical and practical management implications are discussed.