Authors: Iske, Paul; Boersma, Willem

Source: Journal of Knowledge Management, Volume 9, Number 1, 2005 , pp. 126-145(20)

Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Abstract:

<B>Purpose</B> - <IT>In this paper the aim is to describe the role that question-driven knowledge exchange systems can play in the transfer of knowledge between people and to describe the conditions to be fulfilled for successful implementation.</IT> <B>Design/methodology/approach</B> - <IT>The conclusions in this paper are based on interpretation of results of case studies. These are combined with literature research.</IT> <B>Findings</B> - <IT>The major conclusion of the work is that question and answer (Q&A) systems are more promising than traditional Yellow Pages systems. However, some challenges remain the same, especially those related to motivating people to ask (the right) questions.</IT> <B>Research limitations/implications</B> - <IT>The authors believe that further study would be helpful to better understand the causal relationships between the success of a Q&A-driven knowledge system and the context where they are applied. More case studies and a fundamental study of the types of knowledge and organizations that could benefit from this approach would help people to make better decisions when considering the implementation of a Q&A system.</IT> <B>Practical implications</B> - <IT>The aim of this work is to help people make better decisions when they consider the implementation of a system that connects people with a knowledge question to people with the relevant knowledge. It helps them to understand whether such a system can add value at all and, if so, how to increase the probability of success.</IT> <B>Originality/value</B> - <IT>As far as is known, there has not been a study so far, explicitly focusing on this type of system and the comparison of the application of Q&A systems to "traditional" Yellow Pages. The application of scenario-thinking to this field is also new.</IT>

Keywords: Culture (sociology); Knowledge management; Return on investment

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/13673270510583018

Publication date: 2005-02-01

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