THE ROLE OF KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND THE MOVEMENT FROM EXPLICIT TO TACIT KNOWLEDGE, IN BRIDGING THE EARLY ADOPTION GAP IN TECHNOLOGY PRODUCT INTRODUCTION

This paper explores how industries can understand and plan their communication and knowledge transfer process with consumers as products move along the adoption curve. The adoption curve is defined and each stage is clearly identified. How knowledge and consumers are moved through this curve is supported with reference to current literature. This movement is documented as a planned progression from an explicit cultural template to a tacit understanding. This move creates communities of understanding which draw new consumers in, facilitating a bridge in the adoption gap. A practical application of the phenomenon is shown through the use of Apple's iPod, highlighting the development of the "i" culture. A strategic recommendation for enterprises planning to introduce new technology is offered as a conclusion to this paper.