Technology and Knowledge Management: Is Technology Just an Enabler or Does it also Add Value?

Abstract

Technology, having made rapid and extensive advances particularly in the area of communications, has opened opportunities for the gathering of information and providing a means through which knowledge can be shared. Organisations are recognising that information and knowledge will have an important bearing on where they are going in the future. While technologies are a means to link functional areas providing effective conduit for information and the sharing of knowledge, people within the organisation must be well trained in the use and understanding of technology for maximum benefit to be gained. Referred to frequently as just being an enabler, technology does add value. Without technology, organisations would find it very difficult to access the vast amount of information that is available in the external environment. They would not be able to link people both internally and externally for the sharing of knowledge and it is through sharing of ideas that new innovations emerge. While technology can be identified as an enabler it also adds considerable value to the management and operation of organisations.