The effective use of technology in personal knowledge management: A framework of skills, tools and user context

Abstract

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to further explore the emerging concept of personal knowledge management (PKM) and to bring researchers’ attention to this notion. Specifically, this paper aims to address issues related to the effective utilisation of technology in PKM practices.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical framework incorporating PKM skills, technology tools, user context and skills‐tools fit is proposed. Arguments are built on the task‐technology fit theory, which explores the link between technology tools and task characteristics (PKM skills).

Findings

The impact of effective PKM will depend increasingly on skills‐tools fit.

Practical implications

The success of technology utilisation resides not simply in whether individuals use technology, but if this usage actually improves effectiveness. For their own benefit, individuals should consider and assess the technology tools in the context of how they will be aligned with specific PKM skills.

Originality/value

Proposing a conceptual framework of PKM, this paper suggests that the core focus is individual inquest, that is, the effort to discover, share, learn and explore through combinations of technology and information skills. The importance of the user's context in the PKM process is also discussed

Citation

Agnihotri, R. and Troutt, M.D. (2009), "The effective use of technology in personal knowledge management: A framework of skills, tools and user context", Online Information Review, Vol. 33 No. 2, pp. 329-342. https://doi.org/10.1108/14684520910951249