Posted by John Bardos on August 15, 1998 at 11:58:51:

In Reply to: Intranet design to induce a new culture in which Knowledge can thrive posted by Hans on August 14, 1998 at 16:05:56:

Often when I read of Knowledge Management or Organizational Learning the most important part of the equation is often overlooked. I think Senge made a mistake. It is not learning he is talking about. It is communicating.

The reason small companies can respond to change faster than big companies is because of the ability to communicate almost instantaneously. If you have a company of twenty people it is quite feasible to assemble everyone in one room and make a decision that everyone can buy into. When you start getting into companies of a hundred or a thousand people, communication becomes all but impossible.

That is where an Intranet comes in. I think it is short sighted for companies to focus on trying to manage knowledge. What is needed is to encourage communication. It should be a communication organization, not a learning organization. Intranets can facilitate communication in ways completely impossible by other means.

If people are talking, they will learn. The sharing of knowledge will inevitably take place. Companies have to make the information available on their Intranets compelling enough to entice employees to share information and learn new things. For example, creating a position database listing all the jobs in the company. This would also include skill requirements to be promoted to each position. If I was a secretary, I could learn the exact requirements to land the dream job I have always wanted. Once I know what I have to achieve, I can work with whoever is necessary to get the requisite knowledge and experience. This will likely require a lot of work on my own time and maybe I might have to volunteer extra hours in the department of my choice. When information is available and people are free to use it, they will.

In response to your question, I do not think that it is necessary to create a new culture with an Intranet. Companies need to maximize the knowledge of the old culture by getting people to talk to each other.

I believe that the essence of Knowledge Management is communication.

Thanks
John Bardos

---

Follow Ups:

• Re: Intranet design to induce a new culture in which Knowledge can thrive mohammed 11:58:54 12/06/98 (0)
• Re: Intranet design to induce a new culture in which Knowledge can thrive Rebeca Blanco 19:20:13 8/31/98 (3)
  • Technology is not the answer..... entirely. John Bardos 15:33:05 9/11/98 (2)
    • Re: Technology is not the answer..... entirely. Rebeca 21:38:35 9/14/98 (1)
      • Re: Technology is not the answer..... entirely. John Bardos 11:04:05 9/21/98 (0)

---

Click Here to Post Follow Up in New Forums

    Knowledge Management Think Tank (New)

  

 Subject: 

Message: