A model of information technology opportunities for facilitating the practice of knowledge management

Purpose – There is controversy about the role information technology (IT) should play in knowledge management (KM) spanning extremes that either overvalue or undervalue IT's role. This study recognizes the balance required between the two extremes and aims to present a KM process and a three‐dimensional model to assist in identifying opportunities in which IT can effectively facilitate KM practices.Design/methodology/approach – Through a synthesis of KM literature the paper developed a KM process that consists of identification of classifications of knowledge and their particular value to an organization, sources of knowledge, and application opportunities. It developed a three‐dimensional model consisting of KM life cycle, KM level, and KM objectives to assist in identifying the most effective IT application opportunities.Findings – Current IT infrastructures provide support for the organization, formalization, and distribution of organizational knowledge. However, there are relatively few applications t...

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