Re‐assessing the Enabling Role of Information Technology in KM

Abstract

This paper examines the role of information technology as an enabler of Knowledge Management. It begins with the premise that Knowledge Management requires an under‐standing of knowledge creation at the individual level, and argues that IT tools are necessary, but not sufficient, for enabling sense‐making. The organizational IT role is assessed in terms of: mechanisms to facilitate knowledge creation; the information sources organizational decision‐makers use; and sense‐making activities to support innovation. Frameworks for thinking about initiatives that include IT capabilities and people capabilities are presented for each of these concepts, along with relevant examples. The paper concludes with four IT management guidelines.