Abstract
This study examines the relationship between the perceived characteristics of instant messenger and the barriers of knowledge sharing. Two perceived characteristics are identified from instant messenger related to knowledge sharing such as Information Richness, and Knowledge accessibility. Three types of barriers in the knowledge sharing process such as Postponed transferring, Physical distance, and Social distance are also defined. An empirical study was then conducted to test the relationship between the perceived characteristics of instant messenger and three types of barriers in the knowledge sharing process. In addition, the impacts of barriers on the performance of knowledge sharing were examined. The result shows that the Information Richness has negative impact on Physical distance, and the Knowledge accessibility has a significant negative impact on Social distance. It also shows that the Social distance is a significant factor influencing the description of knowledge and understanding of knowledge. Besides the result shows that Information Richness and Knowledge accessibility have a significant positive impact on the satisfaction of knowledge sharing, the utilization of knowledge, and the understanding of knowledge.