IT to Support Knowledge Sharing in Communities, towards a Social Capital Analysis

Authors

Marleen Huysman, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands;Follow
Volker Wulf, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany;, Fraunhofer FIT, Siegen, Germany

Document Type

Research Article

Abstract

Ignoring the informal, non-canonical nature of knowledge sharing, including people's motivation, ability and opportunity to share knowledge, is one of the key causes of resistance to use knowledge-sharing tools. In order to improve knowledge sharing supported by information technology (IT), tools need to be embedded in the social networks of which it is part. This has implications for our knowledge on the design requirements of such socially embedded IT. The paper reviews tools that are designed for the purpose to foster social capital. We will then discuss what is needed for an IS design theory related to knowledge communities and how such a theory could incorporate social capital theory.

DOI

10.1057/palgrave.jit.2000053

Recommended Citation

Huysman, Marleen and Wulf, Volker (2006) "IT to Support Knowledge Sharing in Communities, towards a Social Capital Analysis," Journal of Information Technology: Vol. 21: Iss. 1, Article 3.
DOI: 10.1057/palgrave.jit.2000053
Available at: https://aisel.aisnet.org/jit/vol21/iss1/3