Platform input control and knowledge-sharing intentions: a self-determination perspective

Purpose: In digital platform ecosystems (DPEs), knowledge sharing (KS) among complementors plays a critical role in enhancing value co-creation, yet it remains limited in practice. This study aims to investigate how platform input control (PIC) affects complementors’ KS intentions (KSI), with a particular focus on the mediating role of their intrinsic psychological motivation. This study also examines the platform environmental moderators, i.e. platform support (PlaS). Design/methodology/approach: Based on self-determination theory (SDT), this study constructs the theoretical relationships between PIC and complementors’ KSI through perceived autonomy (PerA), perceived competence (PerC) and perceived relatedness (PerR). It also explores the moderating role of PlaS. To test hypotheses, we surveyed 139 complementors in different DPEs and analyzed data with the partial least squares structural equation modeling and PROCESS regression analysis. Findings: The results reveal that PIC influences complementors’ KSI indirectly through their PerC and PerR but not through PerA. Besides, PlaS negatively affects indirect relationships through PerC but not PerR. Originality/value: By specifically focusing on intrinsic psychological motivation, this study deepens our understanding of the mechanisms linking platform governance to complementors’ KSI. It further sheds light on boundary conditions for complementors’ KSI, especially platform environmental moderators. Besides, it demonstrates the applicability of SDT in explaining KSI within digital contexts. Overall, this study advances theoretical insights into the relationship between platform governance and complementors’ KSI, as well as the applicability of SDT in DPEs, while offering practical guidance on leveraging platform governance to enhance complementors’ value co-creation intentions and behaviors.