Journal article
A Qualitative Study of Web-Based Knowledge Communities: Examining Success Factors
International journal of e-collaboration, Vol.5(3), pp.39-57
07/01/2009
DOI: 10.4018/jec.2009070103
Abstract
Web-based knowledge communities (WKCs) have become prevalent in recent years for individuals with similar interests to collectively engage in knowledge acquisition and exchange in a global context. The growing popularity of WKCs and their fast penetration into almost all aspects of life call for more research on this important area. In this study, we explore and examine success factors of WKCs. To accomplish this research objective, we conducted a qualitative study to uncover a list of success factors that would affect the success of WKCs. Through open and axial data coding techniques using a grounded theory approach, we identified four main success factors: information quality, system quality, community governance, and pro-sharing norms. We further categorized dimensions of information quality, system quality, and community governance. Based on the results, we proposed a conceptual framework to examine WKC success. The implications are also discussed. [Article copies are available for purchase from InfoSci-on-Demand.com]
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- A Qualitative Study of Web-Based Knowledge Communities: Examining Success Factors
- Creators
- Hui Lin - DePaul UniversityWeiguo Fan - Virginia TechZhongju Zhang - University of Connecticut
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- International journal of e-collaboration, Vol.5(3), pp.39-57
- Publisher
- Igi Global
- DOI
- 10.4018/jec.2009070103
- ISSN
- 1548-3673
- eISSN
- 1548-3681
- Number of pages
- 19
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 07/01/2009
- Academic Unit
- Business Analytics
- Record Identifier
- 9984380516902771
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