We can divide all the functions performed by KM in five main categories:
1. Intermediation: Intermediation
refers to the brokering or knowledge transfer between an appropriate knowledge
provider and knowledge seeker. Its role is to "match" a knowledge
seeker with the optimal source of knowledge for that seeker. By doing so, intermediation
ensures a much more efficient transfer of knowledge.
2. Externalization: Externalization
refers to the transfer of knowledge from the minds of its holders into an
external repository, in the most efficient way possible. The function of
externalization is to provide the sharing of knowledge. This is where
Competitive Intelligence/Business Intelligence comes in. Through KM tools it is
possible to track the vast quantity of data about competitors — from news
stories to price changes.
3. Internalization: Internalization
is the extraction of knowledge from the external repository, and the filtering
of this knowledge to provide greater relevance to the knowledge seeker.
Knowledge should be presented to the user in the form most suitable to its
comprehension. This, this function may include interpretation and/or
reformatting of the presentation of the knowledge. To implement this function,
companies can build yellow pages thus mapping and categorizing the skills and
work experience of the organization. Another aspect of internalization would be
the documentation of best practices.
4. Cognition: Cognition
is the function of systems to make decisions based on available knowledge.
Cognition is the application of knowledge which has been exchanged through the
preceding three functions.
5. Measurement: Measurement
refers to all KM activities that measure, map and quantify corporate knowledge
and the performance of KM solutions. This function acts to support the other
four functions, rather than to actually manage the knowledge itself.
These macro KM functions are combinations
of many atomic functions, namely those of:
·
finding, mapping, gathering, and
filtering information
·
developing new knowledge (identifying
relations among items and sharing information)
·
converting personal knowledge into
shared knowledge resources
·
understanding and learning
·
adding value to information to create
knowledge
·
enabling action through knowledge
(performance and management)
·
processing shared knowledge resources
·
delivering (transferring) explicit
knowledge
·
Building adequate technical
infrastructures.
Source : Retrieve from http://web.mit.edu/ecom/www/Project98/G4/Sections/section1c.html
No comments:
Post a Comment