Posted by Yogesh Malhotra on January 01, 1998 at 10:07:01:

In Reply to: Knowledge Ecology posted by Denham on January 01, 1998 at 01:03:04:

Denham, thank you for elaborating on the notion of Knowledge Ecology (KE) and sharing the information about the knowledge ecology fair.

As one would notice, we had some extensive discussions about the people component of our perspective on Knowledge Management stated on the home page of the WWW Virtual Library on Knowledge Management.

I think that our perspective helps bridge the distinctions between KM (the traditional view) and KE as observed by Denham. The keynote mentioned by Denham (thank you for mentioning it!) would explore some of these connections under the broad theme that relates knowledge ecology to competitive advantage. There will be some exploration on the issue of maintaining a balance between the two, but more importantly, on why such balance is not only desirable but critical for sustaining the competitive advantage based on [continuous] organizational knowledge creation.

To whet the interest of the participants and to facilitate dialog, here is an extract from the working draft of my keynote for knowledge ecology fair. The last statement ties my view of KM with that of KE as stated by George Por.

[Abstract from my working draft for keynote tentatively entitled: Preventing the 'High-Tech Hidebound' Syndrome: Toward a Knowledge Ecology for Organizational White-Waters]

Some of the key premises underlying the notion of knowledge ecology may be extrapolated based upon the observations of the natural ecosystems. One would observe the contrast offered by these characteristics of knowledge ecology in comparison with the traditional knowledge management systems described above.

Knowledge ecology primarily focuses on social networks of individuals in contrast to the overly technological emphasis of traditional knowledge management systems on computers and information technology networks.

In a knowledge ecology environment impacted by sudden and pervasive change, mode of survival is adaptation [or more accurately,'anticipation of surprise'] instead of optimization that generally underpins most predictive models.

Within a knowledge ecology, focus on people does not only imply understanding of knowledge exchanges and relationships based on such exchanges, but also how such knowledge influences action or potential for action based on such exchanges.

Knowledge ecology is made up of knowledge nodes and knowledge exchanges or knowledge flows. In the knowledge ecology the basis for cooperation and survival is differentiation and similarity between the knowledge nodes. Highly differentiated knowledge nodes can collaborate to accomplish specific actions and may dissolve thereafter. However, collaboration between such nodes would require that they be able to 'relate' to one another under an overarching mission or theme.

Just as natural ecologies thrive based on species diversity, knowledge ecology thrives on diversity of knowledge. Such diversity rests on cooperative competition: the various knowledge nodes collaborate as well as compete based on their differentiating characteristics and missions.

Knowledge ecology treats knowledge creation as a dynamic evolutionary process in which knowledge gets created and recreated in various contexts and at various points of time.

The traditional view of knowledge management primary focuses on information, whereas the knowledge ecology adds the context, synergy and trust necessary for translating such information into actionable knowledge.

• What is Knowledge Management?

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Follow Ups:

• Re: Knowledge Ecology & Knowledge Management Mezei 10:52:12 1/02/98 (5)
  • Re: Managing Systems that Can Self-Manage Themselves Yogesh Malhotra 18:15:41 1/08/98 (4)
    • Re: Managing Systems that Can Self-Manage Themselves christine cabaņesas 22:31:19 7/10/98 (0)
    • Re: Managing Systems that Can Self-Manage Themselves christine cabaņesas 22:30:31 7/10/98 (1)
      • Re: Managing Systems that Can Self-Manage Themselves Yogesh Malhotra 01:49:48 7/11/98 (0)
    • Re: Managing Systems that Can Self-Manage Themselves Mezei 23:26:32 1/08/98 (0)

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