Applying Social Capital Theory and the Technology Acceptance Model in information and knowledge sharing research

Abstract

The paper discusses Social Capital Theory (SCT) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as theoretical foundations for information and knowledge sharing research. Qualitative content analysis through conceptual and literature analysis is used to explore previous studies in the research domain. It is found that despite the complexity of information and knowledge sharing activities and processes, the two theoretical foundations can strongly inform knowledge sharing research. The paper explains the components, relevance and practical applicability of the two theories to information and knowledge sharing research.

Keywords: Social capital theory, technology acceptance model, information sharing, knowledge sharing, research collaboration.