1. Introduction
Modern business organizations view knowledge as the most valuable and
strategic resource. They realize that to remain in business and be able to
achieve competitive advantage they must explicitly manage their intellectual
resources and capabilities. Firms must not only exploit their existing
knowledge, but must also invest in continually exploring new knowledge
(Sambaurthy, 2005).
Knowledge creation and conversion lie between the tacit and explicit forms.
Tacit knowledge is actionable, and therefore most valuable, andmuch recent
attention has focused on the importance of tacit knowledge for sustaining
competitiveness (Lam, 2000). It is also the most important basis for the
generation of new knowledge. In their often-referenced work on innovation and
knowledge creation, Nonaka and Takeuchi (1995) posit that organizational
knowledge is created through a continuous and dynamic interpersonal interaction
between tacit and explicit knowledge (Stenmark, 2000). They also emphasize in
their work that there are four modes in which organizational knowledge is
created through the interaction and conversion between tacit and explicit.
These are socialization, externalization, combination, internalization
(Weichoo, 1998).
Organizations
that plan to introduced knowledge management had difficulty, as they face the
barrier of the application, acquisition, and extension of knowledge, hence information
technologies play a critical role in shaping organizational efforts for
knowledge creation, acquisition, integration, valuation, and use
(Sambaurthy,2005). The use of
information technology is not new. The early pioneers have used it, but still
it is not common to all organizations; however it is important to note that
knowledge creation cannot be done by the deployment of technology tools alone,
rather it requires the willingness of people to deal with technology tools.
The primary purpose of this
study is to assess the impact of information system technology utilization on
applying the SECI model for the purpose of knowledge creation and conversion
based on the belief that effective adoption of four modes of Nonaka and
Takeuchi model requires the support of information system technology. This I/S
technology consists of networks of three types (internet, intranet, and
extranet) and the database. These components play a critical role as they
facilitate and accelerate the speed of knowledge transfer and conversion from
tacit to explicit and vice versa. The various types of tools which has been
developed for the purpose of this study (which were to be connected and
utilized along with networks and database) will be discussed and elaborated on
through out theoretical framework.
2. Theoretical Framework
2.1. Knowledge: Concept And Classification
In general the word
"knowledge" refers to a state of knowing, by which we also mean to be
acquainted or familiar with, to be aware of, to recognize or apprehend facts,
methods, principles, techniques and so on. On the other hand the working
definition of knowledge considers it as the" fluid mix” of framed
experience, values, contextual information, and expert insight that provides a
framework for evaluating and incorporating new experiences and information. It
originates and is applied in the minds of the knower in the organizations; it
often becomes embedded not only in documents or repositories but also in
organizational routines, processes, practices and norms (Nickols, 2000).
Human knowledge exists in
different forms: tacit and explicit, tacit knowledge is that which is
experiential, intuitive, insights and hunches. It is the subjective and
experience-based knowledge that cannot be expressed in words, sentences, and
formalized or articulated, and therefore difficult to share. Explicit
knowledge on the other hand refers to knowledge that has been expressed
into words and numbers. such knowledge can be shared formally and
systematically in the form of data, specifications, manuals, drawings, audio
and video tapes, computer programs, patents, and the like (Fernandez et
al.,2004).
Despite the distinction
between tacit and explicit knowledge, Nonaka and Takeuchi believe that tacit
and explicit knowledge are mutually complementary entities, which interact with
and interchange into each other in the creative activities of human beings
(Kathuri, 2002).
2.2. Information System Technology Fundamentals
Information system
technology is a set of interrelated information technologies that work together
to process, store, retrieve, collect, and distribute information. The major
parts of an information system include computer hardware, software, databases,
networks, and people (
Internet was designed to connect different
networks (LANs and WANs) across the world and perform this task using special
computers called routers (Jashapara, 2004). The most popular internet applications are
e-mail, browsing the sites on the World Wide Web (WWW), and participating in
special-interest news groups (O’Brien,
2002).
Intranets are internal company networks that
use the internet and web technologies that allow users to find and share
documents, collaborate, and communicate with each other. Think of an intranet
as a mini-internet, one that is internal to accompany; only authorized users
can access intranets, which are secured by firewalls (
Extranet on the other hand is a web site
that allows customers and business partners limited access to an organizations
extranet, similar to an intranet. An extranet uses internet and www protocols.
It operates similar to intranets but is directed at customers rather than
employees. By using extranets, companies are making this type of information
increasingly available at a single interactive site that is easy to navigate
(Alter, 2001).
Database refers to structured collection of
electronically stored data that is controlled and accessed through computers
based on predefined relationships between predefined types of data items
related to a specific business, situation, or problem (Alter, 2001). Knowledge
discovery in databases is a process used to search for and extract useful
information from volumes of documents and data (Turban et al.2006).
3. The Proposed Framework And Hypothesis.
This study developed a
conceptual framework that consist of two parts: the first part of the framework
consisted of information systems technology (networks of three types and
database) and proposed tools that fit each mode; the second part illustrated
the four modes of Nonaka and Takeuchi SECI model. Figure: 1) depicts the study
model.
Figure 1:
Research Framework / Study Model.
Hypothesis1: Academic staff (MIS & BA) at
the Jordanian universities (state and private) will differ in their perception
toward the utilization of IST for the purpose of knowledge creation and
conversion.
Using
IST tools utilization for applying SECI model: There
are many common knowledge management tools categories, which can be effectively
used via IST for the purpose of knowledge creation and conversion they include:
Intranet-Based, Electronic document management (EDM), Workflow systems support
standardized business processes, Artificial intelligence- Based systems,
Business intelligence (BI), Knowledge map systems. It also includes Innovation
support tools, Competitive intelligence tools competitive intelligence (CI),
Knowledge portals, and Video conferencing: Desktop video conferencing (DTVC),
Text-Based conferencing
(Jashapara, 2004; Alter, 2002; Rodrigo, Baroni, 2001; Marwick, 2001). Thus, we posit that:
Hypothesis 2: There is no significant impact of
IST utilization on applying SECI model by the academic staff (MIS & BA) at
the Jordanian universities (state and private). This hypothesis is broken in to
four minor hypotheses:
i.
IST utilization for socialization (tacit to
tacit): Socialization
refers to a process where certain individuals or groups share their own experience
to create and deliver their tacit knowledge such as spiritual models and
skills. It is the process of transforming one tacit knowledge into another
(Huang & Wang, 2003).
The
most typical way in which knowledge is built and shared is in face-to-face
meetings and shared experiences. An increasing proportion of meetings and other
interpersonal interactions use on-line tools known as groupware. Groupware is a
blend of synchronous (like chat), asynchronous (like e-groups) people feel free
to exchange opinions and collaborate. There are other common tools of groupware
summarized by Jashapara (2004)which include: Group decision support systems
(GDSS) with brainstorming, ideas generation and voting system, collaborative
writing and white boards, computer-based conferencing, schedule meetings and
daily organizers, and finally e-mail systems used proactively. Thus, we posit
that:
H0: 2.a. There is no significant impact of IST utilization on applying
socialization for the purpose of knowledge creation and conversion.
ii.
IST utilization for externalization (tacit to
explicit):
Externalization refers to a process where tacit knowledge has gone through a
socialization process and transformed into a specific concept (Explicit
knowledge). Through an externalization process, tacit knowledge becomes
specified, and metaphors, analogies, concepts, hypothesis and models, take
shape (Nonaka, 1998). Collaboration systems and other groupware (for example,
specialized brainstorming applications) can support this kind of interaction to
some extent. On-line discussion databases are another potential tool to capture
tacit knowledge and to apply it to immediate problems (Marwick, 2001).
Newsgroups
and similar forums are open to all, unlike typical team discussions, and share
some of the same characteristics in that questions can be posed and answered,
but differ in that the participants are typically strangers. Newsgroups are
willing to offer advice and assistance, presumably driven by a mixture of
motivations including altruism, wish to be seen as an expert, and the thanks
and positive feed back contributed by people they have helped (Kathuri, 2002). Thus, we posit that:
H0: 2.b. There is no significant impact of
IST utilization on applying externalization for the purpose of knowledge
creation and conversion.
iii.
IST utilization for combination (explicit to
explicit):
Combination refers to a process where explicit knowledge is converted into more
complicated sets of explicit knowledge through the systemization of concepts
and conversion of knowledge (Nonaka &Konno, 1998). Once tacit knowledge has
been conceptualized and articulated, thus converting it to explicit knowledge,
capturing it in a persistent form as a report, e-mail, a presentation, or a Web
page makes it available to the rest of the organization. Although the most
common way by far to capture knowledge is to write a document, technology has
made the use of other forms of media feasible. Digital audio and video recordings
are now easily produced by those that have access to and know how to use the
equipment and an expert may find that speaking to a camera or microphone is
easier or more convenient than writing, particularly if the video is of a
presentation that has to be made in the ordinary course of business. Search and
data mining tools are the most important technology for the manipulation of
explicit knowledge. Thus, we posit that:
H0: 2.c. There is no significant impact of
IST utilization on applying the combination for the purpose of knowledge
creation and conversion.
iv.
IST utilization for internalization (explicit
to tacit):
Internalization refers to a process where new knowledge is created through the
conversion of explicit knowledge into tacit knowledge within an organization
(Nonaka&Konno, 1998). It is closely connected with “learning through
practice” (Huang & Wang, 2003).
Internalization
takes place when explicit knowledge is exposed to a new concept or method that
is better than the existing ones (Riggins
& Rhee, 1999).
Technology can help users form new tacit knowledge, for example, by better
appreciating and understanding explicit knowledge. It is a challenge of
particular importance in knowledge management, since acquisition of tacit
knowledge is a necessary precursor to taking constructive action. Methods to
process explicit knowledge, already described, can support understanding. For
example putting a document in the context of a subject category or of a step in
a business process, by using document categorization can help a user to
understand the applicability or potential value of its information. Thus, we
posit that:
H0: 2.d. There is no significant impact of IST utilization on applying
internalisation for the purpose of knowledge creation and conversion.
4. Literature Review
Meng Yew (2006) found in
his study that the online study course encouraged processes and created
conditions consistent with Nonaka model of knowledge creation, the study also
found that the student gained deep insights and understandings laden with tacit
knowledge. Another interesting result of Berryman (2005) which was conducted to
determine whether a relationship exists among participant group demographics
(experience), and implementation of an integrated knowledge transfer system. Results
suggested that an online training implementation is a valid tool for certain
specific transfer design characteristics. The application of knowledge transfer
system designed around organization-specific variables showed promise as a
factor in enhanced knowledge transfer in web based training in virtual
organizations. Lee & Suh (2003) conducted a research which intended to
explore the efforts of Korean enterprises to convert data and information into
knowledge which are related to the use of information technology. They found
that Korean enterprises place high value on the application of information
technology in introducing knowledge management .It also showed that the use of
information technology is not common to all enterprises in four kinds of knowledge
conversion.
Lertpittaypoom (2005)
stressed in his study the importance of critical knowledge, which can be
obtained from the environment, often through partnership arrangements. Such
arrangements are widespread in information system implementation where
technology-related capabilities are vital to the success of the implementation.
The study followed a qualitative research methodology by conducting an in depth
case study to answer the research questions. The case study is a software
implementation project where the client is a major University in the Midwestern
part of the
5. Study Methodology
5.1. Population And Sample
The target population of
this study comprised all the Jordanian universities (state and private).
Official statistical sources of the Ministry of Higher Education in
5.2. Data
Collection
Primary data collection and
secondary data collection methods were engaged. The primary data collection was
carried out using a self-designed questionnaire. Secondary data was collected
based on the findings of prior studies, published papers, articles, books and
the World Wide Web (Internet).
5.3. Instrument For Primary Data Collection
A questionnaire survey was
adopted to collect the primary data in this study, the questionnaire comprises
two sections, the first section covers the demographic information (University
type, academic staff, Experience). The second section represent the instrument,
we selected (16) items of Information Systems Technology, and (22) item of the
SECI model as follow: (1-4) measures the usage of Internet, (5-8) measures the
usage of Intranet, (9-12) measures the usage of Extranet, (13-16) measures the
usage of Database, (17-22) measures the applying of Socialization, (23-28)
measures the applying of Externalization, (29-33) measures the applying of
Combination, (34-38) measures the applying of Internalization.
5.4. Validity And Reliability Of The Data
5.4.1. Validity Of Data Collected
To ensure the face validity
of the instrument tool, it was given to six expert referees from both
departments; Management information systems and business administration in the
faculty of economics and administrative sciences at the Applied science private
university and
5.4.2. Reliability Of Data Collected
The reliability of data
collected was measured using Cronbach alpha coefficient; the reliability test
was conducted to check for inter-item correlation in each of the variables in
the questionnaire. The test results are as follows: Cronbach alpha for
Independent Variable = 0.8642, Cronbach alpha for dependent Variable = 0.8951,
Cronbach alpha for over all instrument = 0.9255, which exceeded the acceptable
limit [24].
5.4.3. Data Analysis
In order to test the
hypothesis, the following tools were used: descriptive analysis frequencies,
means and standard deviation were calculated, while to test the hypothesis one
way ANOVA was used to measure the differences between groups, and finally simple
regression analysis was calculated to asses the impact of IST on applying the
SECI model.
6. HypothesisTesting.
6.1. Test Hypothesis 1
Test whether academic staff
(MIS & BA) at the Jordanian universities (state and private) will differ in
their perception toward the utilization of IST for the purpose of knowledge
creation and conversion, we carried out one-way ANOVA analysis. It was found
that ANOVA for the perception is not significant, refer to Table (1) (sum of
square between groups =0.181 with (df=1, F=0.696, P=0.405). Based on this
result we reject the null hypothesis1, and accept the alternative hypothesis,
the perception of academicians of state and private Jordanian universities do
not differ toward the utilization of IST for the purpose of knowledge creation
and conversion.
6.2. Test The Major Hypothesis 2
Test that "there is no
significant impact of IST utilization on applying SECI model by the academic
staff (MIS & BA) at the Jordanian universities (state and private)".
This hypothesis is the study carried out the simple regression to test the
major hypothesis; tables (2.a., 2.b., 2.c.) depict the model. It was found
encouraging result here. It shows that the value of (R2 = 0.437),
this means that IST was able to explain (43.7%) of the variance in the
dependent variable, it also shows the F value is (f=49.262) significant at (P≤0.05),
in addition the value of Beta (β=0.661, P£0.05).
Based on the result we reject the null hypothesis 2 and accept alternative
hypothesis that indicate IST has a significant impact on applying the SECI
model by the academic staff at level (P£0.05).
Table 2. Impact of IST utilization on applying the SECI model
6.3. Test Minor hypotheses
6.3.1. Test Minor Ho: 2.a
That "There is no
significant impact of IST utilization on applying socialization for the purpose
of knowledge creation and conversion". The study carried out the simple
regression to test the minor hypothesis. Tables (3.a., 3.b., 3.c.) depict the
model. It shows that the value of (R2 = 0.616), this means that IST
were able to explain (61.6%) of the variance in the dependent variable
(socialization). It also shows the F value is (f=75.744) significant at level
(P≤0.05), which mean there is statistical evidence to support the
existence of a relationship effect between the utilization of information
systems technology and socialization, it also shows that the coefficients of
individual independent variables of internet, intranet, extranet, database is:
(0.085, -0.048, 0.346, and 0.489) respectively. In addition there is
statistical evidence to show that beta value for extranet (β=0.346, P£0.05), and database (β=0.489, P£0.05). Based on the result we reject the
Ho:2.a and accept alternative hypothesis that indicates: IST has a significant
impact on socialization at level (P£0.05).
Table 3.
Impact of IST Utilization On Socialization.
6.3.2. Test minor Ho:2.b
That "There is no significant
impact of IST utilization on applying Externalization for the purpose of
knowledge creation and conversion". The study carried out the simple
regression to test the minor hypothesis. Tables (4.a., 4.b., 4.c.) depict the
model it shows that the value of (R2 = 0.219), this means that IST
was able to explain (21.9%) of the variance in the dependent variable
(externalization). It also shows the F value is (f=13.214) significant at level
(P≤0.05), which mean there is statistical evidence to support the
existence of a relationship effect between the utilization of information
systems technology and socialization. It also shows that the coefficients of
individual independent variables of internet, intranet, extranet, database is:
(-0.023, -0.151, 0.062, and 0.477) respectively. In addition there is
statistical evidence to show that beta value for intranet (β=0.083, P£0.05), and database (β=0.477, P£0.05). Based on the result we reject the Ho: 2.b
and accept alternative hypothesis that indicates: IST has a significant impact
on externalization at level (P£0.05).
Table 4. IST Impact On
Externalization.
6.3.3. Test Minor Ho:2.c
That "There
is no significant impact of IST utilization on applying combination for the purpose
of knowledge creation and conversion". The study carried out the simple
regression to test the minor hypothesis. Tables (5.a., 5.b., 5.c.) depict the
model. It shows that the value of (R2 = 0.298), this means that IST
were able to explain (29.8%) of the variance in the dependent variable
(combination). It also shows the F value is (f=20.017) significant at (P≤0.05),
which mean there is statistical evidence to support the existence of a
relationship effect between the utilization of information systems technology
and combination. It also shows that the coefficients of individual independent
variables of Internet, intranet, extranet, database are (-0.073, 0.045, -0.033,
and 0.568) respectively. In addition there is statistical evidence to show that
beta value for database (β=0.568,
P£0.05). Based on the result we reject the
Ho: 2.c and accept alternative hypothesis that indicates: IST has a
significant impact at level (P£0.05) on combination.
Table 5. IST The Impact On Combination.
6.3.4.
Test minor Ho:2.d
Test whether there is no
significant impact of IST utilization on applying the internalization for the
purpose of knowledge creation and conversion., the study carried out the simple
regression to test the minor hypothesis. Tables (6.a., 6.b., 6.c.) depict the
model, it shows that the value of (R2 = 0.429), this means that IST
were able to explain (42.9%) of the variance in the dependent variable
(internalization), it also shows the F value is (f=35.567) significant at (P≤0.000)
there is statistical evidence to support the existence of a relationship effect
between the utilization of information systems technology and combination
between academic staff. It also shows that the coefficients of individual
independent variables of internet, intranet, extranet, database are (0.168,
0.058, 0.411, and 0.166) respectively. In addition there is statistical
evidence to show that beta value for Internet (β=0.168, P£0.05), extranet (β=0.411, P£0.05), and database (β=0.166, P£0.05). Based on the result we reject the Ho:2.d
and accept alternative hypothesis that indicates: IST has a significant impact
at level (P£0.05)
on internalization.
Table 6. IST Impact On Internalization.
7. Conclusion And Recommendations
The findings of this
empirical study confirmed the following:
Ø
The study indicated that there are no differences between academic staff
(MIS & BA) at the Jordanian universities (state and private) in their
Perception toward the utilization of information systems technology for the
purpose of knowledge creation and conversion.
Ø
The Study revealed that information systems technology had a significant
impact at level (P£0.05)
on knowledge creation and conversion through applying the SECI model by the
academic staff at the Jordanian universities.
Ø
The study showed that there is statistical evidence to support the
existence relationship effect between the utilization of information systems
technology and socialization, In addition, the study showed that β value for extranet, and database is significant at level
(P£0.05).
Ø
The study revealed that there is statistical evidence to support the
existence relationship effect between the utilization of information systems
technology and externalization; In addition, the study showed that β value for intranet and database is significant at level (P£0.05).
Ø
The study indicated that there is statistical evidence to support the
existence relationship effect between the utilization of information systems
technology and combination; In addition, the study showed that β value for database is significant at level (P£0.05).
Ø
The study indicated that there is statistical evidence to support the
existence relationship effect between the utilization of information systems
technology and internalization; In addition, the study showed that β value for internet, extranet, and database is
significant at level (P£0.05).
Based on the study
findings, the authors make the following recommendations:
Ø
Mutual trust, selfsteem and confidences are important in interpersonal
interaction especially when doing so via networks.
Ø
It's believed that, universities, private or public,
government and none government through
out the Arab
world in particular can play a major role in adopting the many examples of knowledge tools
that can enhance the knowledge creation
and conversion
Ø
Universities are considered to be the huge repository of knowledge, this
requires from universities managements to continue invest on that through
providing all the means to facilitate the interaction among and between
academic staff, and continually encouraging and motivating department members
to build stronger relationships with each other.
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About the Authors:
Dr. Faleh Abdelgader
Alhawary holds a PhD in Business Administration, majoring in Information Technology
Strategies and Competitive advantage, he is an assistant professor at Applied
Science Private University, Amman - Jordan
His main research interests lie in knowledge management, E-Government,
Organizational learning, Strategic management and TQM. He can be contacted:
Amman-Jordan P.O. Box: (11931)
Dr. Fayez Jomah Alnajjar Allisra
holds a PhD in Business
Administration, majoring in Management Information Systems, he is an assistant
professor at