Adoption and diffusion of knowledge management systems: an Australian survey

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the factors influencing the adoption and diffusion of knowledge management systems (KMSs) in Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a mixed methodology approach. The research was carried out in three stages: field study, pilot survey, and national survey (top 1,500 companies). This paper reports the findings of the third phase of the study – the national survey. The data of the national survey was analyzed through structural equation modeling (LISREL).

Findings

The results indicate that individual factors and task complexity are the significant factors that influence the perceived usefulness of KMSs which, in turn, significantly influence the intention to adopt a KMS and its diffusion process. Some unexpected results were also found.

Originality/value

There is a scarcity of studies on the empirical perspectives of KMSs in the literature, especially in the area of adoption and diffusion. This research addresses this gap by studying the adoption and diffusion of KMSs in Australian organizations.

Citation

Xu, J. and Quaddus, M. (2005), "Adoption and diffusion of knowledge management systems: an Australian survey", Journal of Management Development, Vol. 24 No. 4, pp. 335-361. https://doi.org/10.1108/02621710510591343