A reality‐based guide to KMS diffusion

Abstract

Purpose

To summarise the findings from research in adopting and diffusing knowledge management systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is a summary of the study findings and a discussion of these.

Findings

The findings explain the adoption and diffusion of a KMS in an organization. These include: perceived usefulness has a positive relationship with an organization embarking on a KMS; people's decision to accept and use a KMS is directly determined by perceived user‐friendliness and perceived voluntariness; and the KMS diffusion process takes place in six stages.

Research limitations/implications

This study tested the entire research model. In the future, parts of the model could be extracted and investigated in detail.

Practical implications

The results have significant implications for managerial practices, including the need for a KMS; the cost of a KMS; significant factors of KMS adoption and diffusion; end‐user focus and involving people in the KMS; and organizational adjustment to embrace the KMS.

Originality/value

The study develops and tests a comprehensive model of KMS adoption and diffusion.

Citation

Xu, J. and Quaddus, M. (2005), "A reality‐based guide to KMS diffusion", Journal of Management Development, Vol. 24 No. 4, pp. 374-389. https://doi.org/10.1108/02621710510591361