Framework of Malaysian Knowledge Society: Results from Dual Data Approach
This paper outlines the research conducted to propose na framework of 'Knowledge Society' (KS) in the Malaysian context.
It is important to highlight that the emergence of KS is a result of the rapid growth in knowledge and information. However, the discussion
of KS should not only be limited to the importance of knowledge, but a holistic KS is also determined by other imperative dimensions. This
article discusses the results of a study conducted previously in Malaysia in order to identify the essential dimensions of KS, and
consequently propose a KS framework in the Malaysian context.
Two methods were employed, namely the Delphi technique and semi-structured interviews. The modified Delphi involved five
rounds with ten experts, while the interviews were conducted with two prominent figures in Malaysia. The results support the proposed
framework which contains seven major dimensions in order for Malaysia to become a KS in the future. The dimensions which are
crucial for a holistic Malaysian KS are human capital, spirituality, economy, social, institutional, sustainability, and driven by the ICT.
[1] United Nations Development Programme. Creating a development
dynamic: Final report of the digital opportunity initiative. Accenture, Markle Foundation, United Nations Development Programme 2001.
Available: http://www.opt-init.org/framework/pages/es.html.
[2] P.F. Drucker, Post-Capitalist Society. New York: HarperCollins. 1993.
[3] P.B. Evans, and T.S. Wurster, Strategies and the new economics of
information. Harvard Business Review (September):71-82. 1997.
[4] H. Evers, Towards a Malaysian knowledge society. Paper read at The
3rd International Malaysian Studies Conference (MSC3), 6-8 August
2001, Bangi, Selangor. 2001.
[5] S. Al-Hawamdeh and T.L. Hart, Information and Knowledge Society.
Singapore: McGraw-Hill. 2002.
[6] M. Clarke, e-Development? Development and the new economy. In
UNU World Institute for Development Economics Research, Policy Brief
No. 7. Helsinki: United Nations University. 2003.
[7] J.J. Britz, P.J. Lor, I.E.M. Coetzee and B.C. Bester, Africa as a
knowledge society: A reality check. The International Information & Library Review, 38:25-40. 2006.
[8] P.J. Lor and J.J. Britz, Is a knowledge society possible without freedom
of access to information? Journal of Information Science, 33 (4):387-397. 2007.
[9] N. Stehr, Knowledge societies. London: SAGE Publications. 1994.
[10] D. Rohrbach, The development of knowledge societies in 19 OECD
countries between 1970 and 2002. Social Science Information, 46
(4):655-689. 2007.
[11] M.K. Adams, Defining creative scholarship and identifying criteria for
evaluating creative scholarship using a modified Delphi technique.
Doctoral thesis, Graduate School, University of Wyoming, Wyoming.
2004.
[12] A. Abdul Rahim and J. Zulikha, Agenda ICT ke arah pembangunan kekonomi
Malaysia. Sintok: Penerbit Universiti Utara Malaysia. 2005.
[13] T.M.A. Shariffadeen. Existing definition of knowledge society, 8th Jan.
2009. Personal communication via email. 2009.
[14] Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia. Knowledgebased
economy master plan. Kuala Lumpur: ISIS Malaysia. 2002.
[15] W.H. Melody, Toward a framework for designing information society
policies. Telecommunications Policy, 20 (4):243-259. 1996.
[16] M. Mohamad. Malaysia: The way forward. Kuala Lumpur: Centre for
Economic Research & Services, Malaysian Business Council. 1991.
[17] M.D. Lytras and M.A Sicilia, The knowledge society: A manifesto for
knowledge and learning. International Journal of Knowledge and Learning, 1 (1/2):1-11. 2005.
[18] J.H., Spangenberg, R. Mesicek, A. Metzner, and F. Luks. Sustainability
indicators for the knowledge-based society: Measuring the sustainability
of the information society. FUTURA, 85-95. 2002.
[19] Prime Minister's Office of Malaysia. The National Mission 2006-2020.
http://www3.pmo.gov.my/RancanganWeb/Rancangan1.nsf/Misi
Nasional Eng?openForm. 2006.
[20] World Bank. Knowledge assessment methodology.
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/WBI/WBIPROGRAMS/KFDLP/EXTUNIKAM/0,,menuPK:1414738~pagePK:64168427~piP
K:64168435~theSitePK:1414721,00.html? 2008.
[21] A. Kova─ìi─ì, Sustainable development and the problems of measuring.
World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology, 30:83-91.
2007.
[22] Economic Planning Unit Malaysia. Penyediaan Rancangan Malaysia
Kesembilan (RMK9). Available: http://www.epu.jpm.my/New%2
Folder/RMKe9%20presentation%20Approved.pdf. 2005.
[23] Y. Malhotra, Measuring knowledge assets of a nation: Knowledge
systems for development. Paper read at "United Nations Advisory
Meeting of the Department of Economics and Social Affairs", 4-5
September, New York. 2003.
[24] R. Ramachandran, Measuring knowledge development and developing
official statistics for the information age. International Statistical
Review, 71 (1):83-107. 2003.
[25] Communication Rights in the Information Society (CRIS). Is the
ÔÇÿinformation society- a useful concept for civil society? (1). Available:
http://www.wacc.org.uk/de/content/pdf/641. 2002.
[26] D.S. Scheele, Reality construction as a product of Delphi interaction. In
The Delphi method: Techniques and applications, edited by H. A.
Linstone and M. Turoff. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley Publishing.
1975.
[27] R.C. Bogdan and S.K. Biklen, Qualitative research for education: An
introduction to theory and methods. 2nd ed. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
1992.
[28] G.J. Skulmoski, F.T. Hartman and J. Krahn, The Delphi method for
graduate research. Journal of Information Technology Education, 6:1-
21. 2007.
[29] F.T. Hartman and A. Baldwin, Using technology to improve the Delphi
method. Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, 9:244-249. 1995.
[30] A. Fink and J. Kosecoff, How to conduct surveys: A step-by-step guide.
London: Sage Publications. 1985.
[31] United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO). UNESCO World Report: Towards knowledge societies.
Paris: UNESCO Publishing. 2005.
[32] Forfas, e-Business Monitor Report. Available: http://www.forfas.
ie/media/forfas031209_ebusiness_monitor.pdf. 2003.
[33] United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Arab Human
Development Report 2003: Building a knowledge society. Regional
Bureau for Arab States, United Nations Development Programme. 2003.
[1] United Nations Development Programme. Creating a development
dynamic: Final report of the digital opportunity initiative. Accenture, Markle Foundation, United Nations Development Programme 2001.
Available: http://www.opt-init.org/framework/pages/es.html.
[2] P.F. Drucker, Post-Capitalist Society. New York: HarperCollins. 1993.
[3] P.B. Evans, and T.S. Wurster, Strategies and the new economics of
information. Harvard Business Review (September):71-82. 1997.
[4] H. Evers, Towards a Malaysian knowledge society. Paper read at The
3rd International Malaysian Studies Conference (MSC3), 6-8 August
2001, Bangi, Selangor. 2001.
[5] S. Al-Hawamdeh and T.L. Hart, Information and Knowledge Society.
Singapore: McGraw-Hill. 2002.
[6] M. Clarke, e-Development? Development and the new economy. In
UNU World Institute for Development Economics Research, Policy Brief
No. 7. Helsinki: United Nations University. 2003.
[7] J.J. Britz, P.J. Lor, I.E.M. Coetzee and B.C. Bester, Africa as a
knowledge society: A reality check. The International Information & Library Review, 38:25-40. 2006.
[8] P.J. Lor and J.J. Britz, Is a knowledge society possible without freedom
of access to information? Journal of Information Science, 33 (4):387-397. 2007.
[9] N. Stehr, Knowledge societies. London: SAGE Publications. 1994.
[10] D. Rohrbach, The development of knowledge societies in 19 OECD
countries between 1970 and 2002. Social Science Information, 46
(4):655-689. 2007.
[11] M.K. Adams, Defining creative scholarship and identifying criteria for
evaluating creative scholarship using a modified Delphi technique.
Doctoral thesis, Graduate School, University of Wyoming, Wyoming.
2004.
[12] A. Abdul Rahim and J. Zulikha, Agenda ICT ke arah pembangunan kekonomi
Malaysia. Sintok: Penerbit Universiti Utara Malaysia. 2005.
[13] T.M.A. Shariffadeen. Existing definition of knowledge society, 8th Jan.
2009. Personal communication via email. 2009.
[14] Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia. Knowledgebased
economy master plan. Kuala Lumpur: ISIS Malaysia. 2002.
[15] W.H. Melody, Toward a framework for designing information society
policies. Telecommunications Policy, 20 (4):243-259. 1996.
[16] M. Mohamad. Malaysia: The way forward. Kuala Lumpur: Centre for
Economic Research & Services, Malaysian Business Council. 1991.
[17] M.D. Lytras and M.A Sicilia, The knowledge society: A manifesto for
knowledge and learning. International Journal of Knowledge and Learning, 1 (1/2):1-11. 2005.
[18] J.H., Spangenberg, R. Mesicek, A. Metzner, and F. Luks. Sustainability
indicators for the knowledge-based society: Measuring the sustainability
of the information society. FUTURA, 85-95. 2002.
[19] Prime Minister's Office of Malaysia. The National Mission 2006-2020.
http://www3.pmo.gov.my/RancanganWeb/Rancangan1.nsf/Misi
Nasional Eng?openForm. 2006.
[20] World Bank. Knowledge assessment methodology.
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/WBI/WBIPROGRAMS/KFDLP/EXTUNIKAM/0,,menuPK:1414738~pagePK:64168427~piP
K:64168435~theSitePK:1414721,00.html? 2008.
[21] A. Kova─ìi─ì, Sustainable development and the problems of measuring.
World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology, 30:83-91.
2007.
[22] Economic Planning Unit Malaysia. Penyediaan Rancangan Malaysia
Kesembilan (RMK9). Available: http://www.epu.jpm.my/New%2
Folder/RMKe9%20presentation%20Approved.pdf. 2005.
[23] Y. Malhotra, Measuring knowledge assets of a nation: Knowledge
systems for development. Paper read at "United Nations Advisory
Meeting of the Department of Economics and Social Affairs", 4-5
September, New York. 2003.
[24] R. Ramachandran, Measuring knowledge development and developing
official statistics for the information age. International Statistical
Review, 71 (1):83-107. 2003.
[25] Communication Rights in the Information Society (CRIS). Is the
ÔÇÿinformation society- a useful concept for civil society? (1). Available:
http://www.wacc.org.uk/de/content/pdf/641. 2002.
[26] D.S. Scheele, Reality construction as a product of Delphi interaction. In
The Delphi method: Techniques and applications, edited by H. A.
Linstone and M. Turoff. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley Publishing.
1975.
[27] R.C. Bogdan and S.K. Biklen, Qualitative research for education: An
introduction to theory and methods. 2nd ed. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
1992.
[28] G.J. Skulmoski, F.T. Hartman and J. Krahn, The Delphi method for
graduate research. Journal of Information Technology Education, 6:1-
21. 2007.
[29] F.T. Hartman and A. Baldwin, Using technology to improve the Delphi
method. Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, 9:244-249. 1995.
[30] A. Fink and J. Kosecoff, How to conduct surveys: A step-by-step guide.
London: Sage Publications. 1985.
[31] United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO). UNESCO World Report: Towards knowledge societies.
Paris: UNESCO Publishing. 2005.
[32] Forfas, e-Business Monitor Report. Available: http://www.forfas.
ie/media/forfas031209_ebusiness_monitor.pdf. 2003.
[33] United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Arab Human
Development Report 2003: Building a knowledge society. Regional
Bureau for Arab States, United Nations Development Programme. 2003.
@article{"International Journal of Business, Human and Social Sciences:51279", author = "Norsiah Abdul Hamid and Halimah Badioze Zaman", title = "Framework of Malaysian Knowledge Society: Results from Dual Data Approach", abstract = "This paper outlines the research conducted to propose na framework of 'Knowledge Society' (KS) in the Malaysian context.
It is important to highlight that the emergence of KS is a result of the rapid growth in knowledge and information. However, the discussion
of KS should not only be limited to the importance of knowledge, but a holistic KS is also determined by other imperative dimensions. This
article discusses the results of a study conducted previously in Malaysia in order to identify the essential dimensions of KS, and
consequently propose a KS framework in the Malaysian context.
Two methods were employed, namely the Delphi technique and semi-structured interviews. The modified Delphi involved five
rounds with ten experts, while the interviews were conducted with two prominent figures in Malaysia. The results support the proposed
framework which contains seven major dimensions in order for Malaysia to become a KS in the future. The dimensions which are
crucial for a holistic Malaysian KS are human capital, spirituality, economy, social, institutional, sustainability, and driven by the ICT.", keywords = "Malaysia, Knowledge Society, Framework, Delphi Technique, Interview.", volume = "3", number = "10", pages = "1852-5", }
