Box 6.2 Challenges of KM Implementation
What are the challenges of KM?
Getting Employees on Board
The major problems that occur in KM usually result because
companies ignore the people and cultural issues. In an environment
where an individual’s knowledge is valued and rewarded, establishing
a culture that recognizes tacit knowledge and encourages employees
to share it is critical. The need to sell the KM concept to employees
shouldn’t be underestimated; after all, in many cases employees are
being asked to surrender their knowledge and experience — the
very traits that make them valuable as individuals.
One way companies motivate employees to participate in KM is by
creating an incentive program. However, then there’s the danger
that employees will participate solely to earn incentives, without
regard to the quality or relevance of the information they contribute.
The best KM efforts are as transparent to employees’ workflow as
possible. Ideally, participation in KM should be its own reward. If KM
doesn’t make life easier for employees, it will fail.
Allowing Technology to Dictate KM
KM is not a technology-based concept. Don’t be duped by software
vendors touting their all-inclusive KM solutions. Companies that
implement a centralized database system, electronic message board,
Web portal or any other collaborative tool in the hope that they’ve
established a KM program are wasting both their time and money.
While technology can support KM, it’s not the starting point
of a KM program. Make KM decisions based on who (people),
what (knowledge) and why (business objectives). Save the how
(technology) for last.