Access to Information in Connective and Communal Transactive Memory Systems

Abstract

This research tested a transactive theory model of how individuals allocate and retrieve task-related information in work teams. It extended prior research by exploring the role of communal information repositories in the context of human information resources. Structural equation modeling of six integrated hypotheses revealed several significant results. First, usage of information repositories was significantly related to individual access to information. However, the relationship between individual direct information exchange with team members (the human repositories) and individual access to information was significant only among average-level users of organizational information repositories. Second, development of individual expertise directories significantly influenced individual direct information exchange with team members. Third, perceived usage of organizational information repositories by team members significantly influenced actual usage. Finally, technology-specific competence in using intranets significantly influenced the actual usage of intranets as organizational information repositories.

Made to Fit: How Practices Vary as They Diffuse.

“…To accomplish this we draw on the literature on how knowledge is transmitted and retrieved, which is consistent with the most basic notion of diffusion as the transmission of ideas (Katz, 1999). Following Yuan et al (2005), Palazzolo, Serb, She, Su, and Contractor (2006), and Yuan, Fulk, and Monge (2007), we argue that adaptation will involve two key dimensions: fidelity and extensiveness.…”

“…Other terms include reorientation and variation (Normann, 1971), corruption (Lozeau, Langley, & Denis, 2002), levels of transfer (Lillrank, 1995), alteration and optimization (Damanpour & Evan, 1984), reconfiguration (Henderson & Clark, 1990;Meyer & Goes, 1988), emulation with innovation (Westney, 1987), modification (Mamman, 2002), and hybridization (Botti, 1997). ted. While Yuan et al (2007) have used the term accuracy in this regard, we prefer fidelity because it does not make assumptions regarding the normative nature of the prototypical practice. Fidelity is related to the scope and meaning of the practice that is being implemented and adapted in terms of how "true" or "distant" this version of the practice is compared to the previous adapted versions of the practice.…”

The interplay between interpersonal and electronic resources in knowledge seeking among co‐located and distributed employees

“…While most organizational behavior research on this topic has focused on using people as knowledge repositories (e.g., Hollingshead & Fraidin, 2003;Lewis, Lange, & Gillis, 2005;Moreland, 1999), nonhuman resources can serve similar functions as well. For instance, electronic expertise directories can be integrated into group decision support systems (Nevo & Wand, 2005) and function as a communal transactive memory system (Kankanhalli, Tan, & Wei, 2005;Yuan et al, 2007) through which employees can learn about each other's areas of expertise so that they can be more targeted in knowledge seeking. Such a system will allow all members of an organization to locate and retrieve knowledge, even if they are unable to meet face-to-face to learn about each other's specialty.…”

Mobile collaborative learning: The role of individual learning in groups through text and video content delivery in tablets

“…Organizations and educational institutions are moving toward a mobile training approach that can actively engage participants, due to the popularity of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), where employees use their own devices for both personal and work situations (Harris, Patten, & Regan, 2013). In today's organizations, the volume, speed, and complexity of information and communication flow often exceed individual processing capacities (Yuan, Fulk, & Monge, 2007), which require individuals to work together to collect, analyze, and synthesize information. Educational institutions are http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2015.04.019 0747-5632/Ó 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.…”