Building ontology-based knowledge maps to assist knowledge process outsourcing decisions

Organizational knowledge exists in different types of knowledge retainers. Efforts are being made to preserve this knowledge because of its value to the organization. In this paper we present a methodology for codifying the knowledge of a domain. This methodology is based on an ontology for the domain in question, from which different types of knowledge items are extracted. These knowledge items represent the different types of knowing that are embedded in the organization's structure and its processes. From an analysis of a process instance described in the ontology, different knowledge items can be extracted and represented as knowledge maps. These maps represent the internal competencies of the organization as they relate to certain processes and hence they can be used to provide inputs in the decision-making process, for example, knowledge process outsourcing decisions. The purpose of this paper is to present an ontology-driven methodology for extracting different knowledge items and representing them as knowledge maps.     

Exploration of factors that impact voluntary contribution to electronic knowledge repositories in organizational settings

The ascendance of knowledge to the rank of a key competitive resource has changed the way in which organizations attempt to manage what they know. To maintain their knowledge, organizations have implemented numerous strategies, one of which is the operation of knowledge repositories. Employees are expected to contribute their job-related knowledge to these repositories. Undoubtedly, this expectation creates dilemmas for both the employing organization and their employees. The organizations need the employees to contribute to the repositories in order to retain the knowledge within the organizations, but cannot force their employees to do so. The employees have to be convinced that it was worthwhile to contribute to these repositories. The study formulates and tests a theoretical model to explicate the Intention to Contribute and actual Knowledge Contribution of employees to organizational electronic knowledge repositories. Six previously uninvestigated relationships are proffered, and implications for practice are derived from the findings.

     

Examining influence of national culture on individuals’ attitude and use of information and communication technology: Assessment of moderating effect of culture through cross countries study

Few studies have examined the influence of national culture on individuals’ perceptions of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Moreover the few existing studies have contradictory findings. While some researchers have suggested a relationship between culture and individuals’ interactions with and perceptions of ICT innovations, other research found no such link. The purpose of this article is to better understand the influence of culture on individuals’ attitudes by comparing the use of cellular phones in Quebec and Guinea. The findings suggest that Ease of Use and Usefulness are sensitive to cultural influence. However, the hypotheses relative to the moderating effects of culture on the Social Pressure, Image, average calls made and average turnaround time spent on the call are not supported.