Developing individuals for developing learning based systems

Abstract

This research is concerned with investigating the externalisation, sharing and making tangible of tacit knowledge in the context of organisational learning (OL). The externalisation, sharing and making tangible of tacit knowledge can provide “inputs” for Information Systems (IS) development. This process, in turn, can become a basis for the development of a system that is capable of promoting a learning environment within the organisation. However, the externalising, sharing and making tangible of tacit knowledge, a transparent and subjective form of knowledge, needs staff members’ self-confidence and willingness to undertake it. Therefore, elements that can motivate staff members to externalise, share and make tangible their tacit knowledge or skills are needed. To undertake this, the elements of meta-abilities, understanding organisational roles, internal strengths, formal and informal discussions and rational discourse are proposed. For this research, all these propositions are integrated into a framework. Therefore, the aim of this research is to study the elements that can encourage staff members to contribute inputs for learning-based systems development. The question to be used for the research is stated as follows: How do we include individuals in the learning-based systems development? Why use meta-abilities in order to include individuals in the learning-based systems development? By answering the question this research offers the following contributions. A novel topic in the IS area, meta-abilities is discussed within the context of the IS area. By considering these elements motivation and encouragement can be offered to staff members such that a contribution to inputs for learning-based systems development can occur. The research approach undertaken in this research involved the use of a pilot and an in-depth case study, as well as interviews, observation and reference to archival documents. From the undertaken research it was concluded that the future focus for the OL-based IS development should be towards individual development strategies that develop interpretive, creative staff members. Interpretive, creative staff members in turn, are capable of externalising, sharing and documenting their own tacit knowledge based on the situational contexts and orientation. Systems analysts can study the documented inputs provided by the staff members and can codify them. This whole process will enable continuous re-examination and modification processes of organisational IS, thereby making its content become more relevant for OL.