Knowledge quality

Abstract

This paper presents the theoretical underpinnings and measures employed in the assessment of knowledge quality. It aims to identify a conceptual and operational measure of knowledge quality within the context of an e-learning environment. The review is conducted in two phases. First, the conceptual and operational measures of knowledge quality are explained based on the epistemic concept of the essence of knowledge and the knowledge hierarchy structure. Next, a detailed analysis of the dimensions measuring data quality (DQ), information quality (IQ), and knowledge quality (KQ) in 33 studies ranging from research on information systems (IS), to knowledge and information management, e-learning, and data warehouses is presented. Minimal biased methods were used to acquire the literature for this review. The findings reveal that there is an evident lack of research in measuring KQ based on a definite conceptual understanding of the hierarchical structure of knowledge. Furthermore, researchers’ repeated use of the DQ and IQ dimensions to measure KQ has failed to develop a reliable KQ measure. Subsequently, an operational view of KQ is proposed with six distinct dimensions: Adaptable, Applicable, Expandable, True, Innovative, and Justified. This proposed KQ model that is based on the hierarchical structure of knowledge; it identifies the dimensions distinct to the KQ construct. It may be useful for the conceptualization and measure of KQ in various information environments, including e-learning and IS. The proposed model provides a more explicit way to conceptualize and measure the KQ construct by acknowledging that it is an extension of the IQ construct but with distinct and unique dimensions.

Students’ perspective on knowledge quality in eLearning context: a qualitative assessment

“…This study acknowledges Waheed and Kaur's (2014) effort and answers their call for dimensions' validation by utilizing a qualitative approach to validate the suggested KQ dimensions and affirm new factors, if any.…”

“…Thus, they make the mistake of using IQ dimensions to measure KQ without any justification (Halawi et al, 2007;Jennex and Olfman, 2006;Liu et al, 2010). Attempting to overcome this issue, Waheed and Kaur (2014) conceptualized and operationalized the KQ based on the theory of knowledge and knowledge hierarchy. They presented 26 KQ dimensions uniquely associated with KQ construct.…”

“…This research also considers the user's judgment about content fitness for use. Additionally, the conceptualization of KQ construct (Waheed and Kaur, 2014) is taken into account while defining KQ in the eLearning context. Following these baselines, KQ is defined as: "Knowledge gained from content that is fit for use, accessible, and actionable to the online user."…”

“…More recently, Valaei et al (2013) discussed the influence of KQ on SMEs competitiveness and utilized four KQ dimensions (intrinsic KQ, contextual KQ, actionable KQ, and accessibility KQ). Waheed and Kaur (2014) analyzed 33 works relating to various studies for measuring DQ, IQ, and KQ, with the purpose of understanding how these construct were being 122 INTR 26,1 conceptualized and measured empirically (see Table I). They conclude that researchers are repeatedly using DQ and IQ dimensions to measure KQ.…”

Social capital, knowledge quality, knowledge sharing, and innovation capability: An empirical study of the Indian pharmaceutical sector

“…Additionally, in spite of knowledge being one of the most important resources of an organization, the quality of the knowledge often proves to be the single most important criteria for its effective use (Rao & Osei-Bryson, 2007;Yoo et al, 2011). Yoo et al (2011) further argued that a quality knowledge should have applicability, expandability, and last but not the least, adaptability as three most important characteristics, and knowledge that cannot be translated to allocation for practical use is not considered as quality knowledge (Waheed & Kaur, 2016). Therefore, it is imperative that the quality of knowledge shared plays an important role in achieving the innovation capability of an organization.…”