Predicting knowledge sharing on knowledge management systems

Knowledge management systems (KMS) enable the codification and transfer of individual and organizational knowledge across a firm. Used effectively, KMS can promote organizational learning and thus develop a firm's competitive advantage. However, many KMS implementations have been unsuccessful, as important contextual factors of knowledge and its management is neglected in both research and practice. The purpose of this paper is to stimulate KMS research by proposing a theoretical model, which aims to predict knowledge sharing on to electronic databases. As knowledge sharing largely relies on employees' willingness to share, we theorize that social and organizational influences will be critical factors in employees' intention to contribute to databases. Practical implications of the model are discussed.