Modern Knowledge Management and Computer-based Technology

Abstract

This article makes the case that modern knowledge management (KM) is inseparable from a consideration of technology. While recognizing that there are many non-technological facets to knowledge management research and practice, it takes issue with the perspective proposed by some that knowledge management has little or nothing to do with technology. Similarly, the perspective that equates knowledge management with information management is challenged. The research involves an analysis of the contrasting perspectives to show that each has blind spots that obscure a clear vision of the relationship between computer-based technology and knowledge management. The KM perspective introduced here neither dismisses technology nor identifies with it. From this perspective, this paper develops the contention that modern KM has been tremendously enriched by advances in computer-based technology (CBT), discussing several specific examples. Moreover, this article concludes that CBT needs to be grounded in a clear, deep consideration of knowledge management. Moreover, several implications for business computing systems researchers are outlined. The new perspective offers students and practitioners a middle-ground between two extremes for framing their understanding and observation of KM and CBT phenomena. The article furnishes a fresh, inclusive conception of the relationship between KM and CBT.