Posted by Vaughn P. Fox on October 19, 2001 at 19:05:11:

In Reply to: knowledge management posted by Rasha on October 18, 2001 at 22:50:40:

Rasha,
There are many different interpretations of the meaning for the term “KM”. Your view of the operating environment may influence the definition you are willing to accept. In my world the term KM is defined as a means to manage information promoting knowledge (explicit and tacit) people need to achieve a level of understanding they require before they are willing to make decisions achieving desired results. Inherent to achieving desired results is the blinding flash of the obvious that KM helps people recognize “what” information they need to clearly evaluate effectiveness as they move forward through time achieving desired results in an ever-changing operating environment.

I find many definitions of KM to be self-licking ice cream cones. To me, KM serves a purpose and the purpose is to help people gain knowledge they need to achieve desired results. Surprisingly enough, focusing on technology and systems without a clear understanding of “what” needs to be done is a backwards approach currently embraced by several existing interpretations of the term KM. Some people/organizations may find success through luck, good fortune or chance, but most leaders tend to shape the future through the use of decisive decisions. Decisions influence actions and issues achieving desired results. Most people apply objective reasoning and judgment against knowledge previously gained to determine what decision they are willing to make at each cross road faced in life. Results from those decisions help them gain knowledge they need to clearly evaluate effectiveness, especially if they framed expectations in advance. Effective decision-making supported by people willing to share information promoting knowledge they need to succeed can be an extremely powerful tool to shape the future. Before you decide upon what definition of KM you are willing to embrace, recommend you first determine the purpose of KM. I hope this information promotes knowledge you need to achieve success. Respectfully, Vaughn.

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