Inspired to Emulate or Paling in Comparison? The Interactive Effects of Information Seeking Strategies and Digital Technology Visibility on Knowledge Sharing

Study 1 was a scenario-based simulation experiment designed to examine the interaction effects of information-seeking strategies and visibility on inspiration and anxiety, thereby establishing causal relationships among these variables. Participants were recruited via an online data collection platform, with eligibility strictly limited to individuals currently employed in sales. This occupational constraint was driven by the specific requirements of the experimental scenario, in which participants were asked to role-play as a sales team leader responsible for formulating sales strategies for various products and achieving sales targets. A 2 (Visibility: high vs. low) × 2 (Information-Seeking Strategy: searching vs. scannign) between-subjects design was employed, and participants were randomly assigned to one of the four conditions. An a priori power analysis using G*Power 3.1 indicated that a minimum sample size of 210 participants was required, yielding a final valid sample of 252 participants.Study 2 was a field experiment utilizing a single-factor between-subjects design. To minimize situational constraints and maximize the generalizability of the findings, participants from diverse industries and occupations were recruited via an online data collection platform. Specifically, eligible participants had to meet two inclusion criteria: (a) their daily work required the use of digital technologies, and (b) they were currently employed on a full-time basis. In Study 2, only the information-seeking strategy was manipulated. Eligible participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions (searching strategy, scanning strategy, or control group) to manipulate the information acquisition process and implement distinct behavioral interventions. Similar to Study 1, an a priori power analysis using G*Power 3.1 determined a required sample size of 252 participants and ultimately obtained 504 valid samples.