Enterprise social media, meta-knowledge and knowledge management capability: an affordance perspective

Purpose Enterprise social media (ESM) application in knowledge management is critical for individuals and organizations. However, there is limited empirical evidence regarding how ESM enhances individual knowledge management capability or whether prior experience affects the value derived from ESM. This study aims to understand the intricate relationships among ESM affordance, employees’ meta-knowledge, prior usage experience and knowledge management capability. Design/methodology/approach This study constructs an integrated framework based on the technology affordance perspective and meta-knowledge theory. It was validated through a two-stage survey, yielding 322 usable responses. Findings The affordance of ESM has a positive influence on individual meta-knowledge, which, in turn, enhances knowledge management capabilities. Additionally, visibility has a direct impact on meta-knowledge. Furthermore, prior experience significantly moderates the relationship between ESM affordance and meta-knowledge. Research limitations/implications This study contributes to the literature by offering a strategy for conducting theory-driven research on how ESM enhances individuals’ knowledge management capability from an affordance perspective. This study develops a framework by integrating ESM affordance and meta-knowledge, and offers a nuanced perspective that considers who knows what and who knows whom as individual meta-knowledge concepts. Practical implications The impact of ESM affordance on knowledge management capability is expected to enhance individual knowledge management skills. Originality/value This study investigates the role of technology affordance, meta-knowledge and knowledge management capability in the context of ESM implementation.