Knowledge integration for enterprise resources planning application design

In this paper we report findings that have been collected through the use of a mixed method approach to Finnish and German public and private Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) projects. These are examined in order to learn the influence that organisational structures exert on employees' willingness to exchange information and knowledge for the purpose of requirements engineering (RE). RE happens in multiprofessional settings, which requires that information and knowledge are exchanged, and be made understandable to other project members. Data indicate that departmental structures facilitate the development of dedicated knowledge and language sets. However, these sets of knowledge and language decrease options for direct communication across departments. Furthermore, the decision‐making and working modes in a dedicated department have an impact on employees' motivation to engage in the exchange of information and knowledge.