Knowledge management systems usage: Rating scheme validity and the effort-accuracy trade-off

Abstract

Humans often seek input from others when solving complex problems and knowledge management systems (KMSs) support, this activity by providing a computer-mediated approach to information sharing. However, if the content provided by the KMS is obsolete or incomplete, end-users may need to exert greater effort to detect these problems or they risk relying on poor inputs leading to less accurate decisions. As a result, most KMSs include rating schemes as part of the user interface designed to help users identify high-quality content. Rating schemes depend on current users rating the quality of the existing content, guiding subsequent users in their future content searches. However, specific ratings may be low in validity and not reflect the true content quality (unintentionally or intentionally). This study examines how rating scheme validity influences how users trade-off search and evaluation effort for decision-making accuracy. Results demonstrate that rating validity differentially influences how KMS search and evaluation effort, relates to decision accuracy. The research findings provide insight into KMS user interface design and how end-users efficiently and effectively use the knowledge in KMSs to make decisions. Copyright © 2008, IGI Global.

Publication Title

Journal of Organizational and End User Computing

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