Abstract
In this study, we examine how changes in monetary incentives offered to online consultants on e-consultation platforms shape the direction of their free knowledge contributions across specialized and non-specialized domains. We use the sudden suspension and subsequent resumption of the Fenda platform as two exogenous shocks to the monetary incentives these online consultants receive, and implement a difference-in-differences estimation. Our study shows that monetary incentives shift the direction of online consultants’ free knowledge contributions. Rather than delving deeper into their specialized domains and engaging with even unpopular topics, they tend to broaden their contributions across a broader array of non-specialized domains. The findings enrich the literature on knowledge management and provide valuable guidance for managers of e-consultation platforms.
Recommended Citation
Qi, Tuotuo; Zhou, Xinxue; and Wang, Tianmei, "Depth or Breadth? The Impacts of Monetary Incentives on the Direction of Free Knowledge Contributions" (2026). ICEB 2026 Proceedings (Beijing, China). 29.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/iceb2026/29