Wikis as knowledge management systems: issues and challenges
| Pages | 189-201 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/13287261311328895 |
| Date | 26 April 2013 |
| Published date | 26 April 2013 |
| Author | Sarah Kiniti,Craig Standing |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management |
Wikis as knowledge management
systems: issues and challenges
Sarah Kiniti and Craig Standing
Centre for Innovative Practice, Edith Cowan University,
Joondalup, Australia
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify and examine the major issues and challenges that
impact the implementation of wikis as KMS. Wikis have been referred to as next generation KMS,
providing an alternative to traditional knowledge management systems by addressing many of their
limitations. However, research shows that there are cases where wikis have failed to achieve this
potential. Further research on the range of issues and challenges surrounding the implementation of
wikis in the corporate environment is required in order to enable organizations manage them more
effectively and reap maximum benefits.
Design/methodology/approach – This paper begins by providing a review of previously
published empirical studies on wiki deployment in organizations. The disparate discussions are then
synthesised by identifying the major issues and challenges in wiki implementation.
Findings – Six major issues and challenges are identified including lack of a clear purpose for the
wiki, wiki usability, integrating wikis into established work practices, social issues, role of
management and organizational culture that supports knowledge sharing and collaboration.
Originality/value – It is posited that in order for organizations to successfully implement wikis, it is
necessary to first understand the issues and challenges surrounding wiki implementation. This paper
contributes to practice by identifying the key issues and challenges in the implementation of wikis and
suggesting strategies for using wikis to manage knowledge effectively. Building on this review, we
critically analyse the findings and propose a model for the implementation of wikis which addresses
these issues and identifies research areas that further need to be investigated.
Keywords Wikis, Knowledgemanagement, KMS, Wiki implementation
Paper type General review
1. Introduction
The conceptof knowledge management (KM) in organizations is not new.Since the 1990s,
researchers have investigatedthe strategic management of knowledge in organizations.
Based on the premise that knowledgeis a strategic organizational asset and a key source
of competitive advantage, organizations have since then been involved in implementing
knowledge management systems(KMS) to enable them create, capture, locate and share
organizational knowledge (Alaviand Leidner, 1999; Davenport and Prusak, 1998).
Many organizational KM initiatives have relied on IT as an important enabler
(Hahn and Subramani,2000). KMS are defined as IT based systems developed to “support
and enhance the organizational processes of knowledge creation, storage/retrieval,
transfer, and application” (Alavi and Leidner, 2001, p. 114). KMS therefore encompass
technology based initiatives including creation of searchable document repositories,
expertise databases, development of decision aids and expert systems and the
hardwiringof social networks which aid access to resources of non-collocatedindividuals
(Sambamurthy and Subramani, 2005).
However, despite investing heavily in KMS, research suggests that most companies
face challenges in leveraging knowledge through information and communication
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/1328-7265.htm
Journal of Systems and Information
Technology
Vol. 15 No. 2, 2013
pp. 189-201
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
1328-7265
DOI 10.1108/13287261311328895
Wikis as KMS
189
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