Web 2.0 implications on knowledge management (Moria Levy, 2009)

This article reviews literature on Web 2.0 and considers how Web 2.0 principles are relevant for knowledge management in organisations. The article does this by drawing out the key principles of Web 2.0 and comparing these to the main principles of knowledge management. It emphasises the use of the web as a platform for actively sharing information and notes the positive network effects of these tools, that is, they are more useful as more people use them. It mentions key Web 2.0 applications including wikis, blogs, RSS, tagging, and social networking. The article attempts to define Web 2.0 by quoting from other sources. While the article does not give a clear definition of Web 2.0 it successfully outlines the key principles. The lack of clarity could be criticised however Web 2.0 is difficult to define.

The article then considers the extent to which Web 2.0 is used in organisations (termed Enterprise 2.0). The article mentions a number of examples where organisations have already started to use Web 2.0 applications and tools. However it also notes that some organisations are sceptical about the usefulness of Web 2.0. The article suggests that Web 2.0 concepts will get picked up over time as users get used to using Web 2.0 tools.

The article then goes on to look at managing knowledge in light of Web 2.0 (termed Knowledge Management 2.0). The article discusses whether Web 2.0 is useful in a Knowledge Management environment. The author considers that the principles of Web 2.0 are actually quite similar to Knowledge Management although there are differences in that Knowledge Management has greater levels of centralisation and control. There are some limitations to using Web 2.0 in organisations' Knowledge Management environments, including a more limited pool of people in an organisation participating and users may not have emotional investment in using applications at work.

Another aspect of the article that was spoken about briefly is the level of trust that people have in information shared in Web 2.0. While there may be advantages in that Web 2.0 allows greater communication between people, it does not always lend itself to reliably holding information which is needed in Knowledge Management. For example, formal references may need to be used for some work tasks. A balance needs to be struck between Web 2.0's user friendliness and open communication on one hand, and a more reliable Knowledge Management environment on the other.

The author suggests that initially organisations adopt wikis and blogs, but suggests more slowly releasing control of Knowledge Management when organisations are ready for it.

The article does not spend a lot of time discussing how Web 2.0 has been adopted in different organisations. While technology companies, large organisations and organisations with younger workers can be expected to be more willing to use Web 2.0, the article does not talk about situations where there is greater resistance. The article also doesn't thoroughly discuss the differences between sharing information through Web 2.0 socially and at work. For example users may be less willing to share their thoughts in a more formal work environment and may wish to withhold information from other colleagues for their personal progression.

The article has an interesting viewpoint as it considers Web 2.0 as an opportunity to better spread Knowledge Management within organisations, by noting the similarities between Web 2.0 and Knowledge Management. The article highlights that this could be complimentary and valuable to organisations.