What is Knowledge Management?

Posted by Cindy Farris Wed, 07 Feb 2007 21:16:00 GMT

Knowledge management (KM) refers to the range of activities and practices used to identify, create, represent, and distribute knowledge for reuse, awareness, and learning.  The purpose of KM is to share intelligence, improve performance, create competitive advantage and higher levels of innovation.

Knowledge management is different from classroom training or online learning courses in that it is a combination of tacit and explicit knowledge.  Classroom training and online courses typically focus on explicit or codified knowledge, while KM blends both types of knowledge to create a more robust learning experience.  KM focuses heavily on the relevancy of the content and the needs of the end user.  Focusing on classroom training or online courses conditions adult learners to believe that learning begins and ends with formal training programs.  Adults stop taking a self-directed approach to education and ignore opportunities for vital informal learning.  KM in an organization builds a culture in which learning is viewed as an ongoing process and members are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and development.

 
The value of KM for associations relates directly to the effectiveness with which the “managed knowledge” enables the members to deal with today’s workplace, marketplace and industry situations.  Without access to “managed knowledge,” every work related situation is addressed based on what the individual member brings to the situation.  With access to “managed knowledge” (KM tools) real estate related situations can be addressed with the sum total of everything anyone in the membership has ever learned about a situation of a similar nature. 

Common KM Terms

 
Subject Matter Expert (SME) – individual possessing extensive explicit and tacit knowledge about a topic (subject area)

Information – relates to description, definition, or perspective (what, who, when, where)

Knowledge – comprises strategy, practice, method, or approach (how and why)

 

Types of Knowledge:

·        Explicit - knowledge that is easy to document and convey to another.

·        Tacit – “how to” knowledge that is derived from experience, instinct and personal insight.

 

Categories of Knowledge:

·        Sub-core knowledge – basic information needed to enter the profession.

·        Core knowledge – basic level of knowledge needed to function in the profession.

·        Advanced knowledge – knowledge that makes you (or your organization) competitively viable.

·        Innovative knowledge – knowledge that sets your (or your organization) apart in the industry and clearly differentiates your organization from the competition.

 

KM Elements:

  • Value added information – can be either tacit or explicit
  • Processes and procedures – explicit
  • Best practices – tacit
  • Experiences – tacit
  • Values – tacit
  • Expert insights – can be either tacit or explicit
  • Organizational culture or norms – can be either tacit or explicit


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