The Factors Affecting Breadth and Depth of Diffusion for Knowledge Management Systems

지식관리시스템의 수직적 확산과 수평적 확산에 관한 실증적 연구

This study primarily aims at identifying what factors significantly affect the diffusion of knowledge management systems(KMS) and finding out how these identified factors can be effectively managed, especially for Korean companies. The research model is derived based on previous researches on innovation diffusion, information systems implementation, and KMS. The model is used to examine the role of determinants in influencing the extent to which KMS is diffused within organizations. Independent variables of this research are composed of technical characteristics, organizational characteristics and environmental characteristics. 'Breadth of diffusion' and 'depth of diffusion' concept are used to measure the extent of KMS diffusion which is the dependent variable of this model. The 101 companies of total 1,000 samples responded to the survey. To analyze tile results of this empirical study, we performed the multiple regression analysis. As a result, it was shown that the relative advantage, complexity, information system maturity, size, top management support, champion, competitive pressure have influences on both the breadth and the depth diffusions. On the other hand, the organizational culture, valuation and compensation, and uncertainty of environmental factors were not verified to be significant. This empirical study will provide Korean companies with insights into effective ways to diffuse the KMS and succeed in business competition.