Sense-Making View of Knowledge Management: Theoretical Development and Empirical Validation

The dynamics of knowledge management (KM) have evolved from the information-processing view of KM to the sense-making view of KM. The information-processing view of KM has been prevalent in the slow-paced, predicable environment. The sense-making view of KM, on the other hand, emerges in the environment where the fast, unpredictable pace of change is salient. Despite its significant and growing importance, there is a limited and fragmented understanding of the sense-making view of KM. This study addresses the issue of how the sense-making view of KM can be embodied by presenting and testing a research model. Data collected from 208 interdisciplinary teams were used to examine the research model by structural equation modeling. Results indicate that cognitive empowerment has a significant impact on perspective taking. Trust and media richness are critical determinants of cognitive empowerment. This study provides important insights of the role of cognition and behaviour in building the sense-making view of KM.