Abstract

This article addresses the problem of how technology adds value to an overall KM solution. It presents the core problem of KM as matching contexts using knowledge attributes and defines KM technology as that which manages knowledge attributes. The paper illustrates this by analyzing several positive and negative examples of technologies and presents two challenges for knowledge management as a field. The requirement for KM technology to manage knowledge attributes can be applied in designing effective KM solutions, selecting KM products, devising a proper KM strategy, and controlling investments in KM. The definition of KM technology also provides a focus for research to bridge gaps in technology that currently limit the widespread use of knowledge attributes.