“Kms-Fit”: a Case-Based Exploration of Task/Technology Fit in an Applied Knowledge Management Context

120 Knowledge Management & E-Learning: An International Journal, Vol.1, No.2

“KMS-Fit”: a case-based exploration of task/technology fit in an applied knowledge management context Jason M. Turner*
Graduate School of Engineering and Management (AFIT/ENV), Air Force Institute of Technology, 2950 Hobson Way, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7765, USA E-mail: jason.turner@us.af.mil & jundlt@yahoo.com *Corresponding author

David P. Biros
415 Business Building, Spears School of Business, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA E-mail: david.biros@okstate.edu

Michael W. Moseley
National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC/SC), 4180 Watson Way, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433, USA E-mail: michael.moseley@wpafb.af.mil
Abstract: The notion of Task/Technology Fit (TTF) posits that as the degree of overlap increases between the task domain, and the ways in which the capabilities of an information system (IS) are suited to activities within that domain, performance gains experienced via use of the IS should also increase. This research proposes an expanded TTF model that is applicable to the context of Knowledge Management (KM) and Knowledge Management Systems (KMS). In particular, additional individual, technological, and social factors and interrelationships between these factors could provide greater explanatory power of IS user behaviors, perceptions, and outcomes within the realm of knowledge work. A mixed-method field study approach was employed at a large government organization, currently in the process of developing and fielding a new KMS to support knowledge-intensive work, to investigate the underlying factors and relationships described within an expanded ―KMS Fit‖ model. Results suggest that the foundational mechanisms described by the TTF model may in fact change within KM contexts. In particular, the inherently social characteristics of knowledge-based work were found to play a very important role in determining the degree of fit...