Application of a Learning Management System for Knowledge Management: Adoption and Cross-cultural Factors

Abstract

International sales team development and support increasingly require attention to knowledge management processes and cross-cultural factors. Modern technologies for group collaboration and distance learning can be employed for increased efficiency and effectiveness to support traditional methods of classroom instruction and training. This article describes an application of a learning management system (ANGEL) (ANGEL Learning, Indianapolis, IN, USA) in a global professional services and software solutions firm with headquarters in the US and presence in over 70 countries. Data was collected to assess the acceptance and successful application of the new learning management system (LMS) in a wide-scale international environment. For analytical purposes, this study utilized the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to examine factors that influence employee acceptance of the system. The research questions that were addressed in the investigation included (i) whether an LMS is an effective platform for commercial application as a knowledge management system in an international environment; and (ii) whether the TAM holds up in assessing the acceptance of a knowledge management system in an international context. The results indicated very favorable acceptance and use of the LMS for sales team training and support. Although traditional relationships of the TAM were upheld, results indicated that the relationship between perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness was moderated by whether users were located in the head offices or in various international locations. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.