Enhancing Knowledge Management Systems with Social Network Functionalities by Integrating a Social Wall

Heide Tobias

Abstract

Many Knowledge Management Systems (KMS) still struggle with too little user contribution, while other user-driven tools like social networking sites (SNS) are in a boom phase. This paper addresses the issue of missing user contribution in KMS. This work investigates the motives for SNS usage and identifies prominent functionalities of these sites. Furthermore, goals for social features in knowledge management are derived from interviews. The identified functionalities are matched with these goals and checked for their applicability in KMS. The most promising feature - the social wall - is designed, implemented and evaluated in a KMS scenario.