Knowledge Integration in ISD Project Teams: A Transactive Memory Perspective

Tung-Ching Lin¹, Kuang-Ting Cheng², Sheng Wu^3*

¹Department of Information Management, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung.
²Department of Information Management, National United University, Miaoli.
³Department of Information Management, Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Tainan.

DOI: 10.4236/ojbm.2014.24042                

Abstract

Many organizations frequently establish information system development (ISD) project teams in order to solve specific problems. Knowledge tends to be stored within individuals who are often dispersed over time. However, knowledge integration is required to solve new types of problems. The transactive memory system (TMS) has been suggested as a critical mechanism for facilitating knowledge integration as part of the team’s processes. TMS can help the knowledge team to recognize the presence of individuals with diverse knowledge and optimize their value. In this paper, we use TMS and the concept of “collective mind” to explain how the team members’ heedful inter-relations and mindful comprehension function within the social system. We also discuss in detail how antecedent factors affect TMS. Drawing on data from a study of 339 part-time MBA students who were members of knowledge teams, the findings of this research showed that all our hypotheses were statically significant. Discussions and implications for academics and practitioners are provided.

Keywords

Knowledge Integration, Transactive Memory System, Collective Mind, PLS

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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