Fueling Community-Based Knowledge Management: Matching Peer-to-Peer Technology and the Social Architecture of Knowledge

Abstract

Earlier research has shown the interdependence of knowledge management systems (KMS) and organizational factors. This study explores how peer-to-peer (P2P)-based KMS are perceived by users and whether those perceptions have impact on user acceptance and system usage. By employing a case study approach we bring together the overlapping disciplines and practices of information system architectures, knowledge management, and organizational behavior by exploring structural analogies between the social architecture of knowledge and the technical architecture of decentralized KMS. Our case analysis suggests a range of potential benefits: saved time in making knowledge available, higher levels of reciprocity and transparency, as well as faster knowledge creation.

Keyword:

• knowledge management
• knowledge management systems
• peer-to-peer
• social architecture
• technical architecture
• organizational behavior

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Stefan Baldi

Dr. Stefan Baldi is the dean and professor for information systems at the Munich Business School (Germany). He holds a M.S. in Computer Science from Karlsruhe University and a Ph.D. in Business Administration from Ilmenau University (both Germany). His current research interests include knowledge management systems, organizational development, and mobile applications. Dr. Baldi has published in journals such as Communications of the ACM (CACM), Electronic Markets (EM), and Wirtschaftsinformatik (WI). He is a frequent speaker at academic and business conferences.

Hauke Heier

Dr. Hauke Heier, MBA (USA) is Accenture’s practice lead for investment portfolio management (IPM) in Austria, Switzerland and Germany (ASG), as well as an adjunct assistant professor of business administration and information management at Leiden University (The Netherlands). Dr. Heier holds a B.A. and a M.S. in information systems and organizational behavior from European Business School, an MBA from James Madison University (U.S.), and a Ph.D. from Leiden University. His current research interests comprise IT governance, knowledge management systems, and IS implementation. Dr. Heier has published in journals such as Communications of the ACM (CACM), Journal of Cases on Information Technology (JCIT), and Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS). He serves on the editorial review board of the International Journal on IT/Business Alignment and Governance (IJITBAG) and is active as a frequent speaker at academic and business conferences.