Unraveling the temporal fabric of knowledge conversion: a model of media selection and use

  • Authors:

  • Anne P. Massey;Mitzi M. Montoya-Weiss

  • Affiliations:

  • Kelley School of Business, Information Systems Department, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN;Business Management Department, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC

  • Venue:
  • MIS Quarterly
  • Year:
  • 2006

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Abstract

We draw from and extend Nonaka's (1994) theory of knowledge creation to develop a model of media selection and use in the knowledge conversion (KC) process. KC is a process wherein an individual is affected by the experiences of another. The outcomes of KC-transferred and transformed knowledge-hinge on the development of understanding. The KC process is enabled via various communicative and noncommunicative media. Because the KC process occurs over time, it possesses a temporal fabric or structure. We explore the practical realities of KC as a dynamic, time- and experience-dependent process. We consider how the temporal fabric of KC creates an evolving reciprocal relationship among perceived media utility, selection, and use of media, as well as switching and/or combining media. We propose and discuss two key factors as determinants of perceived media utility use in the KC process: (1) the temporal behavior of individuals engaged in the KC process and (2) individual and joint experience-based factors. We also discuss the role of contextual factors as antecedents. Finally, we offer and illustrate two primary temporal structures for KC media selection and use: (1) monophasic, wherein KC participants use a single medium at a time, and (2) polyphasic, wherein KC participants deploy multiple media simultaneously. We conclude with a discussion of the implications for the design of KC-enabling systems and directions for future research.