Knowledge Management, Trust and Communication in the Era of Social Media

A special issue of Information (ISSN 2078-2489). This special issue belongs to the section "Information Systems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2020) | Viewed by 85949

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Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Social media has become a popular method of communication among people from all over the world. It is used as a platform for everyday interactions and knowledge sharing in private and business life. Knowledge management, trust and communication have emerged as a key discipline to explain organizational learning and innovation. The aim of the Special Issue is to highlight the wide-ranging research about trust, knowledge management, and communication in the era of social media.

This Special Issue will bring together papers that focus on generating a current understanding of:

  • Social media and knowledge management;
  • Social media and trust;
  • Social media and communication;
  • Ethics in social media;
  • The benefits people seek and receive from their social media networks (i.e., knowledge);
  • Risks and privacy issues in social media;
  • Users attitudes towards trust issues within social media;
  • Reduction and identification of hater speech and fake news;
  • The impacts of using social media on the performance of individuals and organizations;
  • The application of multiple theories or the development of new theoretical perspectives to explain the use of social media;
  • Women’s empowerment and social media;
  • Behavioral dynamics among employees, buyers, suppliers, and other parties involved in using social media;
  • The integration of social media with ERP, CRM and knowledge management systems;
  • The use of social media for new product development and innovation management;
  • Social media and intelligent analytics.

Dr. Joanna Paliszkiewicz
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • trust
  • knowledge management
  • communication
  • social media
  • privacy

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 252 KiB  
Article
Information Sharing Strategies in the Social Media Era: The Perspective of Financial Performance and CSR in the Food Industry
by Magdalena Mądra-Sawicka and Joanna Paliszkiewicz
Information 2020, 11(10), 463; https://doi.org/10.3390/info11100463 - 29 Sep 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4588
Abstract
This paper aims to identify financial measures that are related to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) involvement activities. The study concerns the food industry, in which clients, as well as stakeholders, increasingly appreciate socially responsible companies, which could be a crucial factor for future [...] Read more.
This paper aims to identify financial measures that are related to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) involvement activities. The study concerns the food industry, in which clients, as well as stakeholders, increasingly appreciate socially responsible companies, which could be a crucial factor for future growth strategy. An analysis was made on a sample of 448 food companies from 50 countries in 2009–2020. As a financial measure for CSR assessment, we used profitability ratios, dividend payout ratio, price-to-earnings ratio and market capitalization. The results confirmed that CSR reporting was a crucial division that differentiated companies from the perspective of profitability, OE, market capitalization, and share price. The CSR practices that are realized and published in reports become an important signal for investors that the company has a good financial situation and is able to invest in CSR without reducing its performance. Full article
14 pages, 3268 KiB  
Article
Integrated Question-Answering System for Natural Disaster Domains Based on Social Media Messages Posted at the Time of Disaster
by Kemachart Kemavuthanon and Osamu Uchida
Information 2020, 11(9), 456; https://doi.org/10.3390/info11090456 - 21 Sep 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3654
Abstract
Natural disasters are events that humans cannot control, and Japan has suffered from many such disasters over its long history. Many of these have caused severe damage to human lives and property. These days, numerous Japanese people have gained considerable experience preparing for [...] Read more.
Natural disasters are events that humans cannot control, and Japan has suffered from many such disasters over its long history. Many of these have caused severe damage to human lives and property. These days, numerous Japanese people have gained considerable experience preparing for disasters and are now striving to predict the effects of disasters using social network services (SNSs) to exchange information in real time. Currently, Twitter is the most popular and powerful SNS tool used for disaster response in Japan because it allows users to exchange and disseminate information quickly. However, since almost all of the Japanese-related content is also written in the Japanese language, which restricts most of its benefits to Japanese people, we feel that it is necessary to create a disaster response system that would help people who do not understand Japanese. Accordingly, this paper presents the framework of a question-answering (QA) system that was developed using a Twitter dataset containing more than nine million tweets compiled during the Osaka North Earthquake that occurred on 18 June 2018. We also studied the structure of the questions posed and developed methods for classifying them into particular categories in order to find answers from the dataset using an ontology, word similarity, keyword frequency, and natural language processing. The experimental results presented herein confirm the accuracy of the answer results generated from our proposed system. Full article
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14 pages, 2156 KiB  
Article
Determinants of Social Media Usage in Business by Women: Age and Development of the Country
by Magdalena Mądra-Sawicka, Joanna Paliszkiewicz and Jeretta Horn Nord
Information 2020, 11(9), 445; https://doi.org/10.3390/info11090445 - 15 Sep 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4009
Abstract
This paper aims to identify the most important social media purposes of usage by responding women’s attitudes according to age and the economic stage of development of their respective country. Research was done through an online survey in 2017–2018 followed by an analyses [...] Read more.
This paper aims to identify the most important social media purposes of usage by responding women’s attitudes according to age and the economic stage of development of their respective country. Research was done through an online survey in 2017–2018 followed by an analyses of the results from eight countries: four countries that represent an emerging economy and four developed economies. Participants responded to questions concerning social technologies and their purposes of usage as well as resulting job opportunities. The conducted analysis of regarding Facebook as a platform resulted in the highest number of responses in the survey. In this paper, detailed results are presented including a comparative analysis between two groups of economies. Findings reveal that in both groups, the usage of Facebook in business is related mostly to a positive experience. The result showed that among women in emerging economies, social media were used more broadly, and from an age perspective, the results show that marketing is a key benefit emphasized among older respondents. The communication benefit of Facebook usage in business was noticed as a key factor by respondents in groups from both developed and emerging economies. Full article
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14 pages, 918 KiB  
Article
The Role of Social Media in Generation Y Travel Decision-Making Process (Case Study in Poland)
by Agnieszka Werenowska and Maciej Rzepka
Information 2020, 11(8), 396; https://doi.org/10.3390/info11080396 - 15 Aug 2020
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 14286
Abstract
Technological development at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries determined the possibilities of communication. Internet access has resulted in the rapid development of social media, bringing together users from around the world. Social media affect all aspects of human life, including [...] Read more.
Technological development at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries determined the possibilities of communication. Internet access has resulted in the rapid development of social media, bringing together users from around the world. Social media affect all aspects of human life, including leisure and tourism. The article focuses on the element of this influence, namely the selection of tourist destinations made by Generation Y. It presents the influence of social media on consumer choices in tourism and the specificity of tourist products. The main purpose of the study was to indicate the most commonly used social media in the process of selecting a tourist destination and implementing the journey by Generation Y. The analysis of research results shows the important place of social media in the life of Generation Y. They mostly trust materials shared in social media, although they are aware of it coloring reality, and sharing impressions from tourist destinations is per se the purpose of the trip. Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram are the most used social media for Generation Y. It was also important to define the purpose of activity in social media (SM). Studies have shown the emergence of goals not yet declared among young SM users. One of the main goals of a trip is to report and share travel content in social media. The survey method and the analysis of the literature and available reports were used. A diagnostic survey was conducted among Polish SM users, who are considered representatives of Generation Y. The survey was conducted using the CAWI (Computer-Assisted Web Interviews) method. The subject requires further empirical research. Full article
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18 pages, 1562 KiB  
Article
The Importance of Trust in Knowledge Sharing and the Efficiency of Doing Business on the Example of Tourism
by Elżbieta Kacperska and Katarzyna Łukasiewicz
Information 2020, 11(6), 311; https://doi.org/10.3390/info11060311 - 10 Jun 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 6603
Abstract
The ability to share knowledge in an organization may determine its success. Knowledge is one of the basic resources of an enterprise, being also the basis for undertaking various types of strategic actions. Knowledge management should be focused in the organization on such [...] Read more.
The ability to share knowledge in an organization may determine its success. Knowledge is one of the basic resources of an enterprise, being also the basis for undertaking various types of strategic actions. Knowledge management should be focused in the organization on such processing of all available information to lead to the creation of value defined by employees of the organization and by customers. In order to raise the issue of knowledge sharing, trust should be mentioned. Trust is a factor conditioning effective atmosphere and cooperation in an organization. The main purpose of the article is to present the relationship between trust and knowledge sharing, taking into account the importance of this issue in the efficiency of doing business. To formulate conclusions, data from surveys carried out in 148 different tourist facilities were used. Data were collected by applying the diagnostic survey method and by using a survey technique based on a prepared questionnaire. The results showed that trust is important in sharing knowledge and was found to play an important role in achieving a high level of performance efficiency. The study consists of an introduction, literature review, research results and discussion of results. At the end of the article, conclusions, restrictions and recommendations for future research are presented. Full article
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15 pages, 269 KiB  
Article
Communication Strategies in Social Media in the Example of ICT Companies
by Anna Losa-Jonczyk
Information 2020, 11(5), 254; https://doi.org/10.3390/info11050254 - 5 May 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4584
Abstract
This article aims to present the results of pilot studies on the involvement of the four largest Information Communication Technology (ICT) companies in promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through social media. Studies examine which communication strategy is used by companies in social [...] Read more.
This article aims to present the results of pilot studies on the involvement of the four largest Information Communication Technology (ICT) companies in promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through social media. Studies examine which communication strategy is used by companies in social media. The research was carried out using the method of the content of messages posted on the official Facebook and Twitter accounts of the ICT companies’ analysis. The analysis showed that the companies prefer corporate ability communication strategy over Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) or a hybrid one. Posts rarely concern the company’s activities related to social and environmental responsibility. Although they engage in activities supporting the achievement of the SDGs and provide information about it on their corporate websites, the topic of sustainable development has been taken up in small numbers in the posts examined. Full article
13 pages, 610 KiB  
Article
Selected Aspects of Evaluating Knowledge Management Quality in Contemporary Enterprises
by Olga Sobolewska and Agnieszka Bitkowska
Information 2020, 11(5), 244; https://doi.org/10.3390/info11050244 - 1 May 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3696
Abstract
The main aim of the article was to estimate select aspects of knowledge management quality evaluations in contemporary enterprises from theoretical and practical perspectives. Measuring knowledge management is the biggest challenge for both theoreticians and practitioners. The survey was addressed to organizations conducting [...] Read more.
The main aim of the article was to estimate select aspects of knowledge management quality evaluations in contemporary enterprises from theoretical and practical perspectives. Measuring knowledge management is the biggest challenge for both theoreticians and practitioners. The survey was addressed to organizations conducting business activity in Poland. The research was carried out in 2019 in the form of an online survey. For international organizations, the survey was intended for representatives of these companies’ local branches. It has been shown that the factors that most strongly affect the quality of knowledge are directly related to infrastructure and information technology systems (IT systems). The article contributes to managerial practice by pointing out the importance of evaluating knowledge management quality from the process perspective. The article’s originality lies in the contribution to the literature of evaluating knowledge management quality by empirically analyzing it in contemporary enterprises. The results of research in the field involving assessing the quality of knowledge management have shown the need to focus not only on information technology tools (IT tools) related to infrastructure, but also on the processes approach, taking into account the priority role of the employees. Full article
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13 pages, 260 KiB  
Article
Social Media Marketing in Creative Industries: How to Use Social Media Marketing to Promote Computer Games?
by Bartosz Wawrowski and Iwona Otola
Information 2020, 11(5), 242; https://doi.org/10.3390/info11050242 - 30 Apr 2020
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 12738
Abstract
Currently, almost every business entity has one or more social media accounts. This statement is true for companies operating in creative areas as well. Social media make it possible to perform widely understood marketing-oriented undertakings. They allow for toll-free presentation of a particular [...] Read more.
Currently, almost every business entity has one or more social media accounts. This statement is true for companies operating in creative areas as well. Social media make it possible to perform widely understood marketing-oriented undertakings. They allow for toll-free presentation of a particular company, its history, products, achievements, as well as for encouraging prospective customers to visit its websites. Social media marketing plays an important role in the satisfactory advertising of creative brands, companies, and products. The aim of this article is to discuss the possibilities of utilizing social media marketing by a creative company dealing with the production of computer games. The authors have attempted to analyze selected elements of computer game promotion opted for by the CD Projekt Capital Group. As of currently, The Witcher game is a product that is well known and highly appreciated all over the world. Nevertheless, its promotion has required the utilization of a proper marketing strategy, based on social media-specific tools. Full article
12 pages, 1342 KiB  
Article
Digital Media: Empowerment and Equality
by Magdalena Mądra-Sawicka, Jeretta Horn Nord, Joanna Paliszkiewicz and Tzong-Ru Lee
Information 2020, 11(4), 225; https://doi.org/10.3390/info11040225 - 18 Apr 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 11117
Abstract
This study investigated the use of digital media, specifically social media technologies, in the workplace in Taiwan. The data for this study were collected through an online survey. Participants responded to questions asking whether social technologies could be a source of empowerment, leading [...] Read more.
This study investigated the use of digital media, specifically social media technologies, in the workplace in Taiwan. The data for this study were collected through an online survey. Participants responded to questions asking whether social technologies could be a source of empowerment, leading to equality. Respondents included female and male employees. The findings reveal that both genders use social technology platforms for business support, experience benefits, and believe that these technologies could provide empowerment for success. Detailed results are reported in this paper, including a comparative analysis. The differences between women and men using Facebook and YouTube were significant. Women in Taiwan have a higher awareness of the benefits of social technologies, specifically Facebook, when used for business support and empowerment. This paper reveals a comparison between the attitudes of women and men when using social technologies and investigates the realization of the economic empowerment component. Full article
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13 pages, 690 KiB  
Article
The Usage of Smartphone and Mobile Applications from the Point of View of Customers in Poland
by Witold Chmielarz
Information 2020, 11(4), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/info11040220 - 17 Apr 2020
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 7175
Abstract
The main objective of this article was to identify the conditions for the use of smartphones and mobile applications in Poland in the second half of 2018. The scope of the present analysis was limited to a selected sample of more than 470 [...] Read more.
The main objective of this article was to identify the conditions for the use of smartphones and mobile applications in Poland in the second half of 2018. The scope of the present analysis was limited to a selected sample of more than 470 respondents, and it examined the group of the most active users of smartphones and mobile applications. The author adopted the CAWI (computer associated web interview) method, which was previously verified by a randomly selected pilot sample, in his study. The obtained results were compared with the findings of other studies. They indicated that users of smartphones and mobile applications in Poland do not differ in their assessments from users in Europe and around the world. In this context, the key implication for researchers is the identified level of development of the use of smartphones and mobile applications in Poland at the end of 2018. The main limitation of the research was the selection of the research sample, which consisted only of members of the academic community. The scope of this article aimed to fill a gap in terms of the quantitative and qualitative methods that are applied to examine the use of mobile devices and mobile software. At the same time, this study creates the foundations for further research on intercultural differences. It is important to note that the present research sample needs to be extended beyond the academic community for the research results to be fully generalized. Full article
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14 pages, 1004 KiB  
Article
Digitalization of the Marketing Activities of Enterprises: Case Study
by Nestor Shpak, Oleh Kuzmin, Zoriana Dvulit, Tetiana Onysenko and Włodzimierz Sroka
Information 2020, 11(2), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/info11020109 - 17 Feb 2020
Cited by 35 | Viewed by 12018
Abstract
The pace and scale of the digitalization of today’s global information society open up new opportunities for business. At the same time, they set new challenges for business owners and managers in the field of marketing. Given this fact, the purpose of the [...] Read more.
The pace and scale of the digitalization of today’s global information society open up new opportunities for business. At the same time, they set new challenges for business owners and managers in the field of marketing. Given this fact, the purpose of the study was to present the impact of digitalization on the marketing activity of the enterprise in the field of services by promoting the use of online sales via electronic distribution channels, social networks, and mobile applications. A comparative system of estimating the parameters of the influence of digitalization on the marketing activity of the enterprise was proposed as a confirmation of this impact. Based on the developed “tree of goals,” the dynamics of the digitalization of services were projected and the prospects of development of this sphere of activity were outlined. For testing the proposed methodology, the railway passenger transportation company (JSC “Ukrzaliznytsia”) was chosen as the object of the research. Research methods used in the study include: (1) statistical; (2) SWOT analysis; (3) systematization, comparative, and structural-dynamic analysis; and (4) an expert survey. As a result of revealing the impact of individual elements of digitalization on the level of marketing activity, the number of recommendations regarding the development of digitalization of electronic ticket sales services and their accounting for enterprises dealing with railway passenger transportation were proposed. Full article
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