Examining the factors influencing knowledge management system adoption and continuance intention

Abstract

Drawing upon innovation diffusion theory and the organizational capability literature, this study empirically investigates the differential influence of three contextual variables (organizational readiness, expected benefits, and organizational learning capability) on knowledge management system (KMS) adoption (or continue-to-use) decisions. Utilizing data collected from 220 senior executives in large Taiwanese firms, various relationships in the research model are tested using partial least squares analysis. The results indicate that organizational readiness, expected benefits, and organizational learning capability influence KMS adoption (or continue-to-use) intention. Additionally, this study finds that the relationship between organizational readiness and KMS adoption (or continuance) intention is greater for potential adopters than for current adopters. Theoretically, this study provides a model capable of understanding the determinants of KMS adoption (or continue-to-use) across potential and current adopters. From the managerial perspective, the findings should provide valuable guidelines to companies potentially wishing to adopt KMS by overcoming potential obstacles, and thus maximizing the benefits during the pre-adoption and post-adoption stages.

Keywords:

• knowledge management system
• organizational readiness
• expected benefits
• organizational learning capability
• adoption (or continuance) intention

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Hsiu-Fen Lin

About the author

Hsiu-Fen Lin is a professor in the Department of Shipping and Transportation Management at National Taiwan Ocean University (R.O.C.). She received her Ph.D. degree in Information Management from the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taiwan, in 2004. Her research interests include knowledge management, electronic commerce, and organizational impact of information technology. Her research has appeared in Knowledge Management Research & Practice, Journal of Knowledge Management, Information & Management, Management Decision, Journal of Information Science, Behaviour & Information Technology, Internet Research, Electronic Commerce Research and Applications and several conference proceedings.