Information and Communication Technology as an Enabler of Knowledge Management at a South African University

Abstract

Knowledge is a strategic asset and a critical source of competitive advantage for organisations. Consequently, organisations employ various knowledge management (KM) enablers to acquire, store, secure, retrieve, share, and utilise knowledge, all of which are crucial for enhancing organisational performance. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) play a pivotal role in facilitating these processes. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ICT usage in KM within the context of South Africa, with a specific focus on identifying barriers to ICT utilisation. A quantitative method research approach was adopted using surveys. The findings revealed that the selected university lacked a comprehensive guideline on ICT usage, which hindered effective KM. The study concluded that while KM is essential at the university, significant efforts are needed to improve its practices. Additionally, a comparative methodology was proposed to analyse disparities in ICT utilisation across different institutions. This study contributes valuable insights into KM and offers practical implications for policy review, potentially influencing management and other stakeholders to initiate necessary reforms.