Social-embed-ness of ERP Systems in KM Practices

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Social-embed-ness of ERP Systems in KM Practices
Ji-Hong Park School of Information Studies Syracuse University jpark12_at_syr.edu Liaquat Hossain School of Information Studies Syracuse University lhossain_at_syr.edu
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Background

• Research Purpose
• To examine the impact of ERP systems for
  facilitating the process of organizational
  knowledge creation
• To apply Social Construction of Technology (SCOT)
  approach as a useful paradigm of research for
  integrating ERP systems in KM practices

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Background (cont)

• Research Motivation
• Problems of ERP Systems
• Importance of Organizational Knowledge Creation
• Todays organizational environment is dynamically
  changing, so that creating knowledge is more
  important than merely processing it efficiently
  (Nonaka Takeuchi, 1995)
• Social aspects of information systems use
  (Kling,1999) and knowledge creation (Nonaka
  Takeuchi, 1995)

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Overview of Concept

• ERP Systems
• Utilize enterprise-wide resources to integrate
  applications and processes of various functions
  such as financials, human resources, operations
  logistics, and sales marketing
• Knowledge Management Practice
• Ongoing organizational practice to enhance
  knowledge creation through active knowledge
  transfer among individuals

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Overview of Concept (cont)

• Organizational Knowledge Creation (Nonaka
  Takeuchi, 1995)

Socialization Human ? Human Externalization Human ? Computer Sys
Internalization Computer Sys ? Human Combination IT Sys ? Computer Sys
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Overview of Concept (cont)

• Social Construction of Technology (SCOT) (Bijker,
  1995)

Step 1. Relevant social groups are formed
Step 2. Various interpretations exist
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Overview of Concept (cont)

• SCOT (cont)

Step 3. Controversies are reduced and consensus
is reached
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Application of SCOT to ERP Systems
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Conceptual Framework
Non- Socialized Integration
Socialized Integration
Active Knowledge Transfer
Inactive Knowledge Transfer
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Conclusions

• Socialization is the key issue in ERP-driven KM
  practices
• Trust may play a critical role in socialization
• ERP implementation should consider social context
  of each sub-division

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References

• Allee, V. (2000). Reconfiguring the value
  network. Journal of Business Strategy, 21(4),
  Jul-Aug, 36-39.
• Bijker, W.E. (1995). Of bycycles, bakelites, and
  bulbs toward a theory of sociotechnical change.
  Cambridge, MA MIT Press.
• Kling, R. (1999). What is social informatics and
  why does it matter? D-Lib Magazine, 5(1),
  January.
• Nonaka, I., Takeuchi, H. (1995). The knowledge
  creating company How Japanese companies create
  the dynamics of innovation. New York Oxford
  University Press.
• Sveiby, K.E. (2000). A knowledge-based theory of
  the firm to guide strategy formulation. Presented
  at ANZAM Conference, April, 2000.