Box 6.1 A Framework for Implementing Knowledge Management
Explicit knowledge is that which is written down or expressed in some
tangible form, such as in a procedure manual, document or computer
database. Tacit knowledge, on the other hand, is personal, in people’s
heads and is difficult to articulate. It includes insights, experience,
judgment and many other aspects of know-how and know-why.
Managing explicit knowledge draws heavily on systematic processes
for handling information, such as information resources management,
as discussed below. Managing tacit knowledge, on the other hand, has
more to do with managing people, and particularly the environment in
which they operate. Hence design of space that encourages knowledge
sharing, such as at British Airways new headquarters at Waterside near
Heathrow, is an important lever. So, too, are ways in which people can
interact to learn from each either, whether through knowledge sharing
events, the conduct of meetings, secondment to other work groups or
personal coaching and mentoring.
Thirdly, the foundation layer provides the capacity and capability that
embeds knowledge into the organization’s infrastructure. It comprises
two complementary strands - a ‘hard’ information and communications
infrastructure that supports knowledge collaboration, and a ‘soft’ human
and organization infrastructure that develops knowledge enhancing roles,
skills and behaviors. In this layer, the fast moving world of technology
is providing an ever increasing number of useful tools for knowledge
capture, organizing and sharing. There are now knowledge management
suites, such as Open Text’s Livelinks, that combines document
management facilities with functions that help create ‘communities of
practice’, whereby people in different departments who are pursuing
similar interests can be connected into electronic conversations.
An effective knowledge management programme should therefore
take a holistic view of the field and ensure that there is suitable
balance between the various layers and strands. As far as information
professionals are concerned, there are several ways in which they
can make a valuable contribution to a knowledge program. Creating
knowledge bases and developing knowledge centers are two of them.
Source: Skyrme, D. J., “Knowledge Management: Making it Work”, Resources,
, (Dec 2004).