The seven principles of Knowledge Management

Guidelines

Training as a Communication Strategy

 

There are seven fundamental principles, which require attention if this new framework is to be developed. All are derived from consideration of the changing conditions, which the knowledge economy brings.

They are the principles of openness, uncertainty, complexity, relationships, reflection, reforming, and restoration.

  1. Openness is the starting point.  It recognizes and removes barriers setting the tone, which allows learning to happen.  Without openness, the organization will not be able to gain the benefits of knowledge management.

  2. Uncertainty is inevitable. Organizations should be expecting uncertainty and helping people to cope with it because there is no way to predict what information in the future will be necessary for the survival of the organization.  That information will be the knowledge that organization members will need to learn.

  3. Organizations realize that the world is getting much more complex than ever.  Problems need more information and thought before solutions are pushed. Rushing to the latest "quick-fix" is not the answer.

  4. Learning is a social activity and we must recognize the importance of building relationships to facilitate learning. Cross-functionality and team-building will be very important.

  5. Reflection is needed more than speed.  The knowledge management systems and processes that organizations install must ensure that reflection has a recognized and valued place.

  6. Reforming involves thinking outside of the usual boundaries, aiding the development of both a long-term view and new knowledge.

  7. Restoration is the principle of integrating the new learning into the community of employees.

 

For a KM process to be effective, it must also have a focus on learning. Without a focus on learning, knowledge management is really only information management or management of potential knowledge. In order to be true knowledge management, the learning segment of the process must take place. The Training and Development function is uniquely qualified to coordinate the KM process with the subject matter experts and the information systems people.