Information technology repositories and knowledge management processes: A qualitative analysis

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to address the impact of information technology repositories (ITR) in the implementation of KM processes, i.e. knowledge storage and retrieval. Design/methodology/approach - A case study design is used. Data are collected through the use of individual semi-structured interviews, observations and document analysis. Findings - This study found that three factors were likely to influence the knowledge retrieval process from information technology repositories and that the process of storage was connected to three distinct events that happened before, during, and after the repository was introduced into the organization. Furthermore, it was also found that knowledge management processes, i.e. knowledge storage and retrieval, were connected to individual learning. Research limitations/implications - This study has limitations connected to empirical generalizability because it is a single case study research. Also, this study focuses only on two knowledge management processes, i.e. knowledge storage and retrieval. Practical implications - Findings suggest the need for managers to recognize the influence of leadership on knowledge management processes, i.e. knowledge sharing and storage. Another implication is that, when an organization wants to make information technology repositories more effective, rules and templates should be implemented to correctly use and update such repositories. Originality/value - This research identifies the connections between knowledge management processes, i.e. knowledge storage and retrieval and individual learning processes. It also suggests four strategies to implement in order to make information technology repositories more effective.