Information architecture is important in knowledge management.
Knowledge management is the process carried out in an organization to create, organize and distribute information . The notion refers to those activities that are carried out so that an exchange of useful content can occur between the directors, employees and/or clients of the entity.
Before moving forward, it should be noted that the term management refers to the administration or direction of something. Knowledge , meanwhile, is knowledge or understanding.
It can be said that knowledge management is the system that allows members of a company or institution to develop, modify and share data linked to their tasks and responsibilities , as well as access them. This system encompasses multiple types of resources, procedures and actions.
Different views on knowledge management
There is no unambiguous definition of knowledge management. The concept can be analyzed in different ways, with which different perspectives on it can be recognized.
As we already pointed out, knowledge management can be understood as a process or a system linked to information . The idea can also be associated with a strategy that makes it possible to generate the infrastructure and framework necessary for individuals to find and take advantage of the company's collective knowledge .
Likewise, there are specialists who consider knowledge management as a multidisciplinary field whose purpose is to produce benefits from the intellectual capital of the organization . It is based on the principle that learning contributes to the growth of productivity, so the sharing of knowledge promotes continuous improvement.
Knowledge management often promotes collaborative learning .
From the implicit to the tacit and the explicit
It is possible to distinguish between different types of knowledge. Implicit knowledge is not expressed: it is found in social ties and in the mind.
Tacit knowledge , meanwhile, is understood and experienced, although it is not usually expressed (it is intangible) and that is why it is difficult to share. In contrast, explicit knowledge can be specified in detail. Explicit knowledge is classified as formal because it can be recorded and codified.
Knowledge management, in this context, has to enable the establishment of a cycle where tacit knowledge becomes explicit. This requires the externalization and socialization of knowledge , so that others can internalize that information.
This dynamic and constant cycle promotes organizational learning and knowledge-based decision making. By extension, it contributes to good corporate functioning.
The implementation of knowledge management is key in companies.
Knowledge management and information search
The search for information is a fundamental aspect in knowledge management. It is important that the members of the organization are trained to find what they need and that the company makes the content available to them.
At this point, it is essential to set up a document repository that collects and stores the information. A digital library and a database can be highly relevant tools.
The labeling of information and its categorization must be taken into account to collaborate with accessibility. However, when the amount of data is very high and you work with what is known as big data , technological instruments must be used for the task.
Artificial intelligence is a key ally in information management. The same can be said for data mining , which aims at the discovery of patterns through mass processing.
Once the information is found, it is time to acquire and organize the knowledge. Thus, thanks to on-the-job training and lessons learned, progress can be made in solving problems and developing best practices.
Training and development
Training is the usual route for knowledge transfer. This training can be given through mentoring or webinars , to mention two possibilities.
The publication of information on corporate blogs or its dissemination on corporate podcasts are other valid mechanisms. There are organizations that opt for virtual collaboration and create corporate wikis to socialize and share knowledge.
However, each individual can also drive their own process for competency management. Self-directed online learning can occur by visiting knowledge portals or joining a MOOC (massive open online courses), for example.
Application of knowledge management
In summary, the application of knowledge management makes it possible to facilitate access to information , also promoting its dissemination . It also establishes the pillars for the creation of new knowledge .
These facts mean that decision-making in the organization can be based on evidence and not on speculation or assumptions. This panorama is reflected in the general operations of the firm.
Of course, this is achieved when the application of knowledge management is successful. If there are barriers to access or failures in transmission, learning will be deficient or even non-existent.