Trust, Knowledge Sharing, and ICT Effects on Distributed Agile Performance in Pakistan

Abstract

The rising adoption of distributed agile teams has reshaped the global software industry. However, sustaining their effectiveness remains a significant challenge, particularly in the rapidly evolving Information Technology (IT) industry. While trust dynamics, knowledge sharing process, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) are extensively recognized as essential facilitators of collaboration, their interconnections in distributed agile teams remain underexplored. The present study examined the relationship between Cognitive-based Trust (CBT) and Affect-based Trust (ABT) and key knowledge-sharing processes, including Socialization (SOC) and Externalization (EXT), and assessed their mediation role in relation to Agile Distributed Team Performance (ADTP). The study also investigated the moderating role of ICT in these relationships. To address the objectives, a quantitative, cross-sectional research design was adopted. Data were collected through a survey using structured questionnaires from ADTP associated with the IT industry of Pakistan. Using purposive sampling, three major cities, namely Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad, were selected. As a result, 193 responses were deemed usable for data analysis. The study utilized Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to investigate the hypothesized relationships. SPSS 25 and SmartPLS 4 were applied to test hypothesized relationships. The most important findings demonstrate that CBT is significantly associated with both knowledge-sharing processes and team performance, whereas ABT shows weaker or non-significant effects. SOC and EXT are confirmed as key mediators linking trust to ADTP. ICT strengthens EXT but provides limited support for SOC-related processes. By integrating trust theory, selected SECI knowledge conversion processes, and socio-technical perspectives, this study advances understanding of trust and ICT operating through process-specific boundary conditions in distributed agile collaboration. It also provides practical guidance for emerging IT contexts. The findings also have implications for e-learning practices through an emphasis on CBT, knowledge articulation, and the efficient development of ICT in collaborative learning and knowledge-sharing within technology-oriented learning environments. On the other hand, the empirical demonstration of the role of socio-technical enablers in the knowledge-sharing process and its impact on performance in a collaborative learning environment enhances the existing e-learning literature. It also highlights the importance of fostering CBT, improving documentation practices, and aligning ICT use with relational engagement to enhance ADTP.