Technology as a Tool for Leadership Development: Effectiveness of Automated Web-Based Systems in Facilitating Tacit Knowledge Acquisition

The effectiveness of emerging technology in helping to develop the tacit or experience-based knowledge needed for effective leadership performance was demonstrated in an on-line environment for discussion and training. One hundred and twenty-seven military students participated in three 20-minute discussions in one of three learning environments: standard classroom; standard on-line discussion; and discussion assisted by semantic technology. Consistent with expectations, semantic technology-supported learning resulted in greater discussion participation and training performance with discussion participation mediating the relationship between the learning environment and training satisfaction. An interaction between learning goal orientation (LGO) and learning environment on tacit knowledge performance showed that face-to-face conditions may help those with low LGO. Implications for improving tacit knowledge acquisition and technology-supported leadership development practices are discussed.

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