ICT and knowledge construction: Towards new features for the socio‐technical approach

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis and review of the sociotechnical approach as a result of analysis of experiences with the introduction of ICT in higher education

Design/methodology/approach

The experiences of the author with the creation of special web sites in palaeography are analysed paying special attention to knowledge construction and development at three different levels: individual, community, and organisation (society). The results are compared with those from the concept of communities of practice.

Findings

There is a need for the introduction of a new element in the SECI cycle and the introduction of a new element in the scheme for a sociotechnical approach.

Research limitations/implications

The findings need further experimentation in order to discover any validity for the knowledge management field in relation to the concept of communities of practice.

Practical implications

The use of the scheme for the sociotechnical approach could help in the planning and implementation of information systems in a variety of situations.

Originality/value

The paper introduces new elements to be considered for the application of the sociotechnical approach and for the construction of information systems in corporations and organisations.

Citation

Cartelli, A. (2007), "ICT and knowledge construction: Towards new features for the socio‐technical approach", The Learning Organization, Vol. 14 No. 5, pp. 436-449. https://doi.org/10.1108/09696470710762655