Essential Concepts in Knowledge Management and Organizational Learning

Core Processes in Knowledge Creation and Conversion

Knowledge creation relies on several key processes, including the conversion of tacit knowledge (personal, hard-to-formalize knowledge) into explicit knowledge (codified, formal knowledge).

Socialization

Socialization is one of the four processes that a knowledge-creating company uses to create knowledge. It allows tacit knowledge to be passed directly from one person to another.

Articulation

Articulation is the primary process for successful innovation and involves the conversion of tacit knowledge to explicit knowledge.

Combination

Combination allows for the merging and systematization of explicit knowledge held by individuals.

Data Management Lifecycle

Effective decision-making requires a structured approach to handling information, from acquisition to reporting.

Data

We acquire data from the external world through our senses and attempt to make sense of these signals throughout our experience.

Gathering Data

This process is concerned with collecting or accessing data, which can then be used to inform decision-making.

Analyzing Data

Here, we take the data that has been gathered and inspect, transform, or model it in order to gain new insights that will support our business decision-making.

Storing Data

This step is concerned with making sure the data is filed and stored in appropriate ways to ensure it can be found and used efficiently for analysis and reporting.

Reporting

Reporting is a tool used to provide access to and utilize the knowledge gathered within an organization.

Organizational Learning and Communication

Team Learning

Team learning is identified as one of the two primary types of learning within an organization.

Discussion

During a discussion, different views are presented and defended to facilitate effective decision-making.

Kinesthetic Learner

This type of learner often speaks with their hands and uses gestures to express themselves.

Wisdom

Wisdom is defined as the ability to act critically or practically in a given situation.

Twitter

Twitter is an open method of communication or social media where you can share information with people with whom you would not normally exchange email or instant messages (IM).

The Modern Workplace and Economic Drivers

Knowledge Economy

The Knowledge Economy is driven by knowledge intangibles rather than physical capital, natural resources, or low-skilled labor.

Knowledge Worker

A Knowledge Worker uses their intellect to create ideas, information, and knowledge that add value to the firm.

Manual Worker

A Manual Worker uses their hands to produce goods and services.

Peter Drucker

Peter Drucker observed that the workplace is changing, noting an increasing distinction between the manual worker and the knowledge worker.

Foundational Concepts of the Learning Organization

Several key contributions define the concept of the learning organization:

• The Fifth Discipline

  This represents the U.S. contribution to the concept of the learning organization.

• The Learning Company (Japan)

  This represents Japan's contribution to the learning organization.

• The Learning Company (U.K.)

  This represents the U.K.'s contribution to the learning organization.