dc.contributor.author | Diedrich, Andreas | |
dc.contributor.author | Guzman, Gustavo | |
dc.date.accessioned | 2018-08-31T01:20:01Z | |
dc.date.available | 2018-08-31T01:20:01Z | |
dc.date.issued | 2015 | |
dc.identifier.issn | 1367-3270 | |
dc.identifier.doi | 10.1108/JKM-02-2015-0055 | |
dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/10072/101456 | |
dc.description.abstract | Purpose – This paper aims to examine the complexities emerging in the attempts to develop a
sophisticated IT-based knowledge management system (KMS) for sharing knowledge. Using
actor-network theory, the authors conceptualise this as continuous processes of translation, whereby
heterogeneous human and non-human (e.g. technologies, methods and plans) elements are drawn
together and mobilised to produce stable networks through associations between them.
Design/methodology/approach – The case study method was adopted using a narrative approach
that studies the ways of organising work in organisations. Shadowing, field notes, diary studies and
participant observation were the main data collection methods used.
Findings – The development and introduction of a KMS is a contingent and local process shaped by
messy translations whereby the original idea, human and other non-human elements are reconfigured.
By considering humans and non-humans symmetrically, the intended and unintended actions, and the
role of unexpected events, this approach overcomes the deterministic view of human nature of the
conventional KMS approaches.
Research limitations/implications – A conceptual framework is presented as a means to improve the
understanding of the complex associations emerging within networks of people, objects and machines
during the development and introduction of KMS.
Practical implications – The translation approach helps practitioners to consider their
taken-for-granted assumptions about people, machines and the associations among them. This assists
practitioners to uncover emerging conflicting issues between human and machines, among machines
and among humans. Furthermore, this allows practitioners to recognise the different identities humans
and non-humans take, overtime, as a result of emerging associations.
Originality/value – The originality of this paper lies in the use of alternative conceptual lenses to
understand KMS development and introduction as processes of translation. Additionally, rather than
exploring the success stories, it focuses on a failed attempt to introduce a KMS | |
dc.description.peerreviewed | Yes | |
dc.language | English | |
dc.language.iso | eng | |
dc.publisher | Emerald Group Publishing | |
dc.relation.ispartofpagefrom | 1273 | |
dc.relation.ispartofpageto | 1294 | |
dc.relation.ispartofissue | 6 | |
dc.relation.ispartofjournal | Journal of Knowledge Management | |
dc.relation.ispartofvolume | 19 | |
dc.subject.fieldofresearch | Information and computing sciences | |
dc.subject.fieldofresearch | Other information and computing sciences not elsewhere classified | |
dc.subject.fieldofresearch | Commerce, management, tourism and services | |
dc.subject.fieldofresearchcode | 46 | |
dc.subject.fieldofresearchcode | 469999 | |
dc.subject.fieldofresearchcode | 35 | |
dc.title | From implementation to appropriation: understanding knowledge management system development and introduction as a process of translation | |
dc.type | Journal article | |
dc.type.description | C1 - Articles | |
dc.type.code | C - Journal Articles | |
dc.description.version | Accepted Manuscript (AM) | |
gro.rights.copyright | © 2015 Emerald. This is the author-manuscript version of this paper. Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher. Please refer to the journal's website for access to the definitive, published version. | |
gro.hasfulltext | Full Text | |
gro.griffith.author | Guzman, Gustavo A. | |