Perspectives on Knowledge Management Systems - Theoretical Framework and Design of an Empirical Study

This paper deals with “Knowledge Management Systems” (KMS) which are seen as a new kind of information systems supporting organizational information processing. KMS result from the application of advanced database and network technologies to support organizational learning and knowledge management approaches. A perspective-based view of organizational memory systems is used to define KMS and forms the theoretical basis for the definition of the research model used in the empirical study “Knowledge Management Systems ‘99”. The research model is explained in detail and provides measurable dimensions and variables for the following constructs: goals, business environment, budget, organizational results and the concept of the use of KMS which in turn consists of the organizational design of the use of KMS, organizational culture, knowledge management systems and the content of the organizational memory. The paper is concluded by an outlook on the main research questions which we intend to address in our research.