Knowledge sharing through intranet-based learning: A case study of an online learning center

Abstract

Recent academic and managerial interest in electronic commerce (e-commerce) activities has created enormous interest in the world of information technology and in many other industries. Therefore, managers are facing new challenges. One such daunting task is the ability to manage knowledge, as this can now be exchanged or transferred on the Internet or Intranet without physical contact or time constraints. To understand some of the key human resource issues related to organizing global knowledge in the e-commerce context, an exploratory case study was conducted. One of the key findings from this case study is the recognition that human resource management (HRM) will play a new dual role in organizing global knowledge sharing in the e-commerce era. One role is to continue dealing with traditional administrative transactions and the other is to nurture knowledge-related activities. This contradicts simplistic prescriptions about managing knowledge, which suggests that the implementation and utilization of a particular information system are all that are necessary to facilitate effective knowledge sharing. Instead, this exploratory study shows that successful knowledge sharing is dependent not only on the use of particular information technologies but also on the successful creation of a knowledge-sharing environment with a knowledge management-focused HRM as the coordinator of related activities.