Evolutionary Game Analysis of Knowledge Sharing in Enterprise Sponsored Virtual Communities Considering User Characteristics

Enterprise sponsored virtual communities (ESVC) are important platforms for user knowledge sharing. User characteristics, as influential factors in these communities, impact the evolution of knowledge sharing processes. In this study, a knowledge sharing evolutionary game model that considers the influence of user characteristics was constructed. A payoff matrix was established, and stable points were identified for further analysis. Simulation analysis was conducted to explore the impact of changes in user characteristics on the knowledge sharing strategies of both parties. This study revealed the following findings: First, the knowledge reservoir of ESVC users affects their willingness to share knowledge, with ordinary users’ willingness initially increasing and then decreasing as their knowledge reservoirs grow. Second, the willingness of leading users to share knowledge initially decreases and then increases as their knowledge reservoirs expand. Third, improvements in the knowledge absorption and transformation capabilities of both leading and ordinary users promote knowledge sharing behaviour, although the extent of this impact differs between the two groups.