Knowledge management systems usage: application of diffusion of innovation theory

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of technological antecedents on the usage of decision makers for the implemented knowledge management system (KMS) amongst Jordanian banks. This study extends the investigation by assessing the influence of knowledge or information quality on KMS usage. This study aims to assess whether knowledge or information quality is significantly correlated to system compatibility, relative advantage and complexity (technological antecedents). Design/methodology/approach The study model was developed by using Rogers’ diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory, on which seven hypotheses were developed. To examine these research hypotheses, a self-administered questionnaire was carried out with 341 decision makers who are using the KMS to perform their job-related activities. Structural equation modelling analysis of moment structures software was used for data analysis. Findings The findings revealed that decision makers usage of the implemented KMS’s is affected significantly by relative advantages, system complexity and knowledge quality, but not system compatibility. Moreover, the findings showed that knowledge quality is significantly correlated with DOI technological antecedents. Practical implications Bank managements are now in a better position to understand what kind of resources and supports are needed to achieve the maximum pay-off from KMS usage within their banks. This study has proved that it is not sufficient for Jordanian banks to focus solely on the system quality; they must also take the quality of knowledge or information (system output) as a critical factor that can affect their investments in KMS’s. Originality/value This study is one of the limited conducted studies to investigate the importance of KMS usage and related antecedents in the Arab world; particularly, in the context of the Jordanian banking sector. The findings of this study have contributed to the Jordanian financial sector for its vital evaluation of the KMS actual usage behaviour. Findings can be used by the Jordanian ministry of finance to improve the understanding of the factors influencing KMS usage in the financial sector. This study has contributed to reducing the gap of DOI literature amongst developed and developing countries, particularly in the Jordanian context.