Paths to tacit knowledge sharing: knowledge internalization and individual-task-technology fit

Abstract

Tacit knowledge has long been considered instrumental to competitive advantage of organizations. However, whether knowledge workers will share their tacit knowledge may depend on the extent to which they internalize knowledge and the degree of a fit among certain task, technology, and individual factors. First, drawing from Adaptive Control of Thought theory, we develop Knowledge Internalization as the process an individual transforms his/her declarative knowledge into procedural knowledge. Second, based on the Task and Technology Fit theory, we propose a notion of Individual-Task-Technology Fit whose components include knowledge self-efficacy, preference for personalization knowledge management (KM) strategy, availability of appropriate KM systems, and task variety. The path analysis with a sample size of 259 confirms that both constructs positively affect tacit knowledge sharing.

Keywords:

• knowledge management
• knowledge sharing
• tacit knowledge
• task-technology fit

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kamphol Wipawayangkool

About the Authors

Kamphol Wipawayangkool, an assistant professor of Management Information Systems at Sam Houston State University, received his Ph.D. in Information Systems from the University of Texas at Arlington. His research interests include knowledge management and information security management.

James. T. C. Teng, a professor of Information Systems at the University of Texas at Arlington, received his Ph.D. in Information Systems from the University of Minnesota. His research interests include knowledge management and the impact of IT on organizations and economy.