Requirements for an information system to support transactive memory
Document Type
Journal Article
Keywords
Information retrieval, Information systems, Knowledge management, Knowledge sharing, Transactive memory
Faculty
Faculty of Business and Law
School
School of Management / Centre for Innovative Practice
RAS ID
12652
Abstract
Purpose – Transactive memory systems (TMS) is a theory of group cognition which conceptualizes knowledge sharing and retrieval processes in groups by the use of a shared “directory”. This paper aims to review and analyze the literature and outline a set of requirements for an information system to support and facilitate TMS processes.Design/methodology/approach – The author analyzed all TMS research literature in the SCOPUS and PROQUEST databases, mapping relevant observations about TMS to a TMS process model. These findings were then translated into functional requirements for a TMS information system (TMS-IS).Findings – A reasonable integration of information management functions into the TMS process model is possible. However, it was also found that social software functions for social networking, self-disclosure and conversation are a necessary component of such a TMS-IS.Practical implications – The specification provides a useful consolidation of the research literature and a reliable point from which to commence design of a TMS-IS. It is expected that basing these requirements on the research into social cognition will improve the functional fit of a TMS-IS to group behavior and performance. Originality/value – Although TMS is a cognitive theory based on knowledge sharing, there has been no analysis until now of the research literature specifically in order to derive specifications for a supporting software system.
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Comments
Jackson, P. D. (2011). Requirements for an information system to support transactive memory. VINE: The Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems, 41(4), 401-427. Available here