Intranets and Business Model Innovation: Managing Knowledge in the Virtual Organization

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to provide a conceptual/theoretical analysis of intranets and knowledge management in virtual organizations for both academics and practitioners. Virtual organizations are a major part of the new business models that have recently emerged. Intranets are introduced as a tool for managing knowledge in virtual, as well as traditional, organizations. The chapter begins with an overview of knowledge management and how it relates to virtual organizations, including a discussion of the forces creating the need for knowledge management and some of the components of knowledge management. The chapter then introduces intranets as a tool and methodology for managing knowledge, especially in virtual organizations. It discusses a number of key issues related to intranets and knowledge management, including the intranet’s ability to span geographic and temporal boundaries, to share information, to facilitate communication and to become a collaborative work space. Other issues discussed include methods for dealing with information overload, the ability of intranets to help provide identity and cohesion for virtual teams, and so forth. The chapter gives clear examples of how intranets are a vital knowledge management tool in virtual organizations, as well as in other new business models. Finally, the chapter ends with a discussion of future trends in intranets in connection with knowledge management in virtual organizations.