“A system that will do magic”: organizational perspective on the technological layer in knowledge management
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/AJIM-11-2021-0341 |
| Published date | 01 April 2022 |
| Date | 01 April 2022 |
| Pages | 1089-1102 |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Information behaviour & retrieval,Information & knowledge management,Information management & governance,Information management |
| Author | Maayan Nakash,Dan Bouhnik |
“A system that will do magic”:
organizational perspective on the
technological layer in
knowledge management
Maayan Nakash
Department of Information Science, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel, and
Dan Bouhnik
Department of Information Science, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel and
Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Jerusalem College of Technology,
Jerusalem, Israel
Abstract
Purpose–This study aims to give expression, for the first time, to the contemporary perceptions of knowledge
management(KM) professionals regarding the technological layer in KM. From an organizational-holistic view,
the authors strive to provide a deeper understanding of the position and role of technology in KM in knowledge-
intensive organizations.
Design/methodology/approach –As part of the adoption of the qualitative-constructivist paradigm, the
research started with in-depth interviews and continued with focus groups. The data were collected from
21 KM experts and analyzed according to the thematic analysis method, based on the grounded theory.
Findings –Although many hopes depend on technological tools, the authors learn why KM cannot be
considered a purely information technology (IT)-based process. The study raises significant concern regarding
the leadership of KM efforts by IT units, due to the possible lack of focus on strategic aspects supported by that
support closing knowledge gaps. KM experts support technological changes and anticipate the introduction of
automated mechanisms for knowledge flow processes.
Originality/value –Understanding the techno logical component of KM provides a windo w of opportunity
for the meanings ascrib ed by the professionals t o the whole KM discipline . The results improve the
understanding that th e KM community should be required to be more aware of the bus iness-organizational
aspects for which the practice of KM in the organization is required, as well as the centrality of human
resources in knowledge creation and sharing. Mor eover, the paper provides a uniqu e glimpse into the future
of organizational KM.
Keywords Knowledge management, Information technology, Knowledge management system
Paper type Research paper
1. Introduction
Knowledge is perceived as a major strategic asset of knowledge-intensive organizations
(Nakash and Bouhnik, 2020b). Zyngier an d Burstein (201 2) defineknowledge management(KM)
as “the basic processes of creation, storage/retrieval, transferring/sharing, and applying
knowledgeto fulfillorganizationalaims and objectives”(p.140). The emphasis on the significant
strategicelement of KM is also reflected in theconceptualizationprovided by other researchers
(e.g. Nakash et al., 2021).By another definition,“KM is about enhancing the use of organizational
knowledge through sound practices of information management and organizational learning”
(Ahmad et al., 2017,p. 859). Other thinkersemphasize in their definition thecritical components
for improving organizational performance, among them k nowledge sharing (Abbas et al., 2019).
Technological
layer in
knowledge
management
1089
Funding: The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.
Conflict of interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare that are relevant to the content
of this article.
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
https://www.emerald.com/insight/2050-3806.htm
Received 19 November 2021
Revised 13 January 2022
4 March 2022
Accepted 6 March 2022
Aslib Journal of Information
Management
Vol. 74 No. 6, 2022
pp. 1089-1102
© Emerald Publishing Limited
2050-3806
DOI 10.1108/AJIM-11-2021-0341
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