Experimental research in knowledge management

Abstract

At the heart of any healthy field are explicit theories and concerted efforts to test these theories. In the traditional “textbook” conceptualization of science, the main avenue for developing and testing theory is experimental research, a tool that enables investigators to filter out the noise in order to draw logically valid inferences and conclusions. The objective of this paper is to begin a probe into the use of experimental research in knowledge management (KM). After sketching an image of the nature of experimental research and its advantages, the paper details the results of an analysis of experimental research in the KM literature. The top 20 KM journals were searched in Scopus and Web of Science for any mention of the term “experiment.” In total, 43 papers were identified based on their use of experimental methods and human participants. These studies were coded for purpose, research questions, hypotheses, operationalization of variables, sample parameters, and statistical analysis methods. There appeared to be little evidence for a dedicated and sustained use of experimental research methods. Virtually all studies relied heavily on self-report questionnaires as the main data collection tool rather than direct behavioral measures. Potential implications are that KM journals may want to elicit and encourage more experimental research, and researchers interested in using experimental methods may want to forge multidisciplinary partnerships, for instance, with experimental psychologists. The implication for KM methodological pedagogy is to further promote and integrate experimental methods.