Knowledge Management Systems: Emerging Views and Practices from the Field

The knowledge-based theory of the firm suggests that knowlege is the organizational asset that enables sustainable competitive advantage in hypercompetitive environments. The emphasis on knowledge in today’s organizations is based on the assumption that barriers to the transfer and replication of knowledge endow it with strategic importance. Many organizations are developing information systems designed specifically to facilitate the sharing and integration of knowledge. Such systems are referred to as Knowledge Management Systems (KMS). Because KMS are just beginning to appear in organizations, there exists little research and field data to guide the development and implementation of these systems or to guide expectations of the potential benefits of such systems. The current study provides an analysis of current practices and outcomes of KMS and the nature of KMS as they are evolving in fifty organizations. The findings suggest that interest in KMS across a variety of industries is very high, the technological foundations are varied, and the major concerns revolve around achieving the correct amount and type of accurate knowledge and garnering support for contributing to the KMS. Implications for practice and suggestions for future research are drawn from the study findings.