Kelly Wibbenmeyer

How to Successfully Implement a Corporate Taxonomy

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to develop a methodology to follow while implementing a corporate taxonomy. Design/methodology/approach: The presented results are grounded in both academic literature on taxonomy and qualitative data from two departments within the same organization that implemented separate taxonomy structures. Findings: The study identifies ten factors to consider when implementing a corporate taxonomy as well as a defined nine step process to implement when implementing a successful corporate taxonomy. Research limitations/implications: The scope of the literature review and the case study were both limited as finding multiple taxonomy experts in one organization is rare, the account of the research is not considered exhaustive. The paper can assist practioners in a high level approach to implementing a corporate taxonomy as well as things to invoke to increase the chances of a successful implementation.