Knowledge and learning in electronically enabled environments

Technology is a critical component of the knowledge management process. Modem organisations employ tools that assist workers to acquire, generate, integrate, interpret and act upon information. This study discusses the common tools employed by knowledge workers and depicts the applications, advantages, and disadvantages of each. It utilises a knowledge management and organisational learning framework, which interprets the knowledge process as a sequence consisting of four interrelated sub-processes, including generation, integration, interpretation and action stages as a structure within which the knowledge related functions of individual technologies may be described. Data was gathered from participants in exploratory interviews and web-based surveys. The research suggests that knowledge related tools and technologies are not utilised to their fullest potential. Some indication exists that there is a low level of awareness of the knowledge management and organisational learning process within sample organisations, and hence the related tools and technologies are used in a fragmented way.