Computer-Aided Systems and Communities: Mechanisms for Organizational Learning in Distributed Environments1

Paul S. Goodman; Eric D. Darr

doi:10.2307/249550

Computer-Aided Systems and Communities: Mechanisms for Organizational Learning in Distributed Environments1

¹ Carnegie Mellon University, Graduate School of Industrial Administration, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3890, U.S.A. · ² University of California at Los Angeles, Anderson Graduate School of Management, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1481, U.S.A.

MIS Quarterly 1998

This paper examines the role of computer-aided systems (CAS) for enhancing organizational learning in distributed environments. The basic research questions are: how do features of CAS enhance organizational learning, and how does organizational context influence the role of CAS in organizational learning? The theoretical framework focuses on the decision to contribute and adopt knowledge in distributed environments. Specifically, the paper investigates the intersections between the features of CAS and inhibitors to contributing or adopting knowledge, in the light of different organizational context variables. Two cases of information environments for knowledge sharing are examined: a formal electronic library system and an informal community that uses a variety of communication technologies. The cases are used to illustrate how the intersection between CAS features and the decisions to adopt and contribute enhance or inhibit knowledge sharing.

DOI: 10.2307/249550
Volume: 22 (4)
Pages: 417-440
Language: en
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