Mobile ICT and knowledge sharing in underserved communities

Abstract

Organizing principles, exchange relationships, and technology affordance of underserved communities in emerging markets are different from privileged communities, which have been the focus in traditional information systems literature. This paper investigates mobile ICT and knowledge sharing in a rural farming community in India. Our qualitative field study reveals that value creating and value claiming norms are key enablers of knowledge sharing in underserved communities. The findings also identify the communication mechanisms and challenges of mobile ICT innovations that foster knowledge sharing among dispersed underserved communities. We discuss the implications for theory and suggest a practical guide to enhance knowledge sharing in underserved communities. © (2012) by the AIS/ICIS Administrative Office All rights reserved.