Social Networks for Knowledge Management

摘要

Online social networks have changed the way many people communicate and interact as private individuals and employees. Sharing and communication through this medium has become, for many, a daily habit. Many of these networks provide a simple way to seek and find knowledge and expertise from both friends and strangers. Information technology has been used in many ways to support knowledge management initiatives. However the use of social networking technology has been little explored. It is thus argued that combining knowledge management systems with social networking technology would bridge this gap. Social software is becoming part of a standard arsenal of tools deployed within companies, tools that may help knowledge management. Evidence is presented from a review of relevant literature and through a survey, conducted via online social networks, asking respondents' usage of social networking for knowledge management purposes in both their private lives and also work-related practices. It shows that personal networks are often used as a medium to seek knowledge for personal and for organisational motives. The results confirm that online social networks, and their enterprise counterparts, are aiding knowledge management initiatives. Knowledge appears to be flowing through online social networks. Findings also include the confirmation of Dunbar's number, and reaffirming the strength of "weak ties" as originally proposed by Granovetter. The paper proposes the new concept of temporary ties that are aided through social networks. It also describes the work in progress and findings so far on the use of social networking technology and habits for aiding knowledge management initiatives.