Towards a Knowledge Management System Development Method: Critique of Some Relevant Theories and Methodologies

Knowledge management (KM) systems are increasingly gaining importance in practice and in research. However, research in the field is fragmented by various theories and concepts used by scholars with diverse disciplinary perspectives. As a result, advancing research into KM systems is hindered by a general tendency to overlook previous pertinent theories in various fields and contributions by scholars in other related disciplines. We are engaged in research into KM system development from principles of practical KM. In conjunction with field work with "knowledge practitioners" we have conducted a survey of related theories and concepts across relevant disciplines. This paper offers a framework for conceptualising KM system development in organisations based on a critique of relevant theories and concepts.