The Influence of Employees Thinking Styles in Knowledge Sharing Through Collaborative Virtual Environments Nazifa Ghani 1 , Hamed Tahsildari 2 , Alireza Keshvarsima 3 ,Maslin Masrom 4 , Mohd. Taib Hashim 5 1, 2,3,5 International Business School Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Kuala Lumpur 4 Razak School of Engineering and Advanced Technology Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Kuala Lumpur nazifa.ghani@yahoo.com, hamed_tahsildary@yahoo.com, keshvarsima@yahoo.com, maslin.kl@utm.my, drmtaibh@ic.utm.my Abstract —The purpose of this study was to examine how Sternberg’s theory about the thinking styles regarding mental self-government divided into five categories is effective on knowledge sharing through collaborative virtual environments. The paper presents an empirical analysis for the effects of each five thinking styles categories function, forms, levels, scopes and leanings on knowledge sharing. Under a non- probability sampling, convenience sampling was used by 160 University Technology of Malaysia, (UTM) employees in various departments. In addition cross sectional method was considered regarding time limitation. The results from this study indicate that four categories of Sternberg’s theory of mental self- government functions, forms, scopes, and leanings influence on the knowledge sharing through the virtual environment and functions have the most effect. However, it was found that one category named levels have no effect on the knowledge sharing. The study does not cover a large number of respondents. Future research is needed in this area. This paper explores a new perspective for the organizations involved in virtual knowledge sharing. Keywords: knowledge sharing; virtual environment; thinking styles. INTRODUCTION In today‟s world, information and communication technology (ICT) has transformed the way people live and work. According to Ala-Mutka et al. (2008), the utilization of social computing and collaborative development have become significant in organizations. Indeed, the organizations are facing challenges towards the development of a knowledge- based economy, rapid evolution in technology and the growing of worldwide organizations competition. Nissen (2007) pointed out that the capability of an organization depends upon how the employees share their knowledge efficiently. On the other hand, it is essential to understand the process of thinking as a part of problem solving for the reason that problem solving abilities are needed in order to create knowledge. The ability to know various ways of employees thinking style will give benefit towards the process of transferring knowledge as employees often have different point of views. Nowadays, studies on thinking style provides extensive benefits and versatility. This is done by incorporating it with a variety of different matter like the influences of knowledge sharing on organizational success, educational achievement, livelihood prosperity and winning various challenges and issues. Attempts have been made in recent times to investigate possible relations between knowledge sharing and employees thinking style. It seems that some important areas have been missing or overlooked. Along with these unforeseen areas, an indication can be presented in order to know the relationship between them. Up to this point, no direct research has been made to find the viable linkages between knowledge sharing and style of thinking based on the researchers preeminence knowledge. Therefore, this study will investigate the relationship between employees thinking style and knowledge sharing in order to facilitate communication in knowledge management system and improve the sustainability of the organizations. The aim of this study is to examine how employees thinking style influence knowledge sharing through collaborative virtual environments (CVEs).The arrangements of the paper is as follows. First, we define the fundamental perception to understand the research areas of this study. We then review the existing literature on