How can Small Businesses Achieve Knowledge Ambidexterity Using Cloud-based Knowledge Management Systems?

Authors

Anup Shrestha, University of Southern QueenslandFollow
Minu Sarat Chandra, University of Southern QueenslandFollow

Abstract

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often face obstacles towards success due to ad-hoc knowledge management (KM) practices. In order to improve SMEs capabilities, we propose a new artefact called “Knowledge Ambidexterity Framework” (KAF) to effectively utilise KM practices. The KAF is underpinned by the theory of organisational ambidexterity to demonstrate how SMEs can explore and exploit knowledge simultaneously. This framework is operationalized using a cloud-based knowledge management system (KMS) powered by IBM Watson services. We adopt Design Science Research methodology to develop and evaluate the KAF. The initial KAF design is presented and its prototype KMS is built. Case study SMEs across different industries are recruited for evaluation of the artefact. Using the KAF, it is believed that SMEs can benefit from virtual organisational clusters. This study will answer how SMEs can achieve knowledge ambidexterity using cloud-based KMS in virtual organizational clusters.

Recommended Citation

Shrestha, Anup and Chandra, Minu Sarat, "How can Small Businesses Achieve Knowledge Ambidexterity Using Cloud-based Knowledge Management Systems?" (2020). PACIS 2020 Proceedings. 84.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/pacis2020/84