Social Knowledge Environments

Authors

Jan M. Pawlowski, Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences Mülheim Germany
Markus BickFollow
Malte Martensen, ESCP Europe Business School Berlin
René Peinl, Hof University of Applied Sciences, Germany
Stefan Thalmann, University of Innsbruck, Austria
Ronald Maier, University of Innsbruck Austria
Paul Kruse, TU Dresden Germany
Lars Hetmank, TU Dresden Germany
Henri Pirkkalainen, University of Jyväskylä, Finland

Document Type

Research Paper

Abstract

Knowledge management represents a key issue for both information systems’ academics and practitioners, including those who have become disillusioned by actual results that fail to deliver on exaggerated promises and idealistic visions. Social software, a tremendous global success story, has prompted similarly high expectations regarding the ways in which organizations can improve their knowledge handling. But can these expectations be met, whether in academic research or the real world? This article seeks to identify current research trends and gaps, with a focus on social knowledge environments. The proposed research agenda features four focal challenges: semi-permeable organizations, social software in professional work settings, crowd knowledge, and crossborder knowledge management. Three solutions emerge as likely methods to address these challenges: designoriented solutions, analytical solutions, and interdisciplinary dialogue.

Recommended Citation

Pawlowski, Jan M.; Bick, Markus; Martensen, Malte; Peinl, René; Thalmann, Stefan; Maier, Ronald; Kruse, Paul; Hetmank, Lars; and Pirkkalainen, Henri (2014) "Social Knowledge Environments," Business & Information Systems Engineering: Vol. 6: Iss. 2, 81-88.
Available at: https://aisel.aisnet.org/bise/vol6/iss2/3