Affiliations: School of Information and Software Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Gabriel Nyame, School of Information and Software Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), Qingshuihe Campus No. 2006, Xiyuan Ave, West Hi-Tech Zone, Chengdu, Sichuan 61173, China. Tel.: +8613258275323; E-mail: [email protected].
Abstract: BACKGROUND:Knowledge remains an essential intangible resource for competitive advantage in organizations. In the context of knowledge management (KM) strategy, knowledge management systems (KMS) help to manage scattered knowledge and promote knowledge innovation. However, KMS adoption is context-specific and depends on several factors. OBJECTIVE:This paper proposes a five-factor model and tests empirically the presence support and effectiveness of these factors, which are antecedent to KMS adoption. METHODS:The University of Education, Winneba (UEW) in Ghana, was used as an illustrative case to test the applicability of the model. As regards the data analysis, we collected data from teaching and non-teaching staff using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. We reviewed the extant literature thoroughly to explore the five factors to develop our conceptual model. The factors are management and leadership support (MaLS), knowledge sharing and transfer capability (KSaTC), support of knowledge architecture and infrastructure (SKAaI), knowledge innovation capability (KIC), and knowledge access control policy (KACP). RESULTS:Our study established that SKAaI has a positive and significant relationship with KSaTC, MaLS, and KACP. Also, MaLS correlated positively and significantly with KSaTC, while KSaTC has a significant direct relationship with KIC but an inverse relationship with KACP. Thus, this study is useful to both researchers and practitioners regarding a thorough examination of these factors. CONCLUSIONS:Practitioners and researchers must systematically examine these five factors concerning their extent of the impact, prioritization, and significant contribution to KM strategies.
Keywords: Knowledge management system, knowledge access control, factor presence and effectiveness, knowledge architecture and infrastructure, knowledge management
