Five Basic Tenets of Knowledge Management

Carla O'Dell

I have just read and will soon review The New Edge in Knowledge: How Knowledge Management Is Changing the Way We Do Business, co-authored by Carla O’Dell and Cindy Hubert. In Chapter 3, they identify and discuss “Five Basic Tenets of Knowledge Management.” Here they are:

“1. The KM strategy is based on balancing people, process, and technology concerns. Each element needs enablers and capabilities to help critical knowledge move throughout your organization.

2. The KM strategy contributes to overall organizational goals. Focus on identifying and supporting knowledge flows around critical processes. Taking a more systematic [and systemic] approach to managing knowledge will contribute to bottom-line objectives. Balance instances of immediate impact and long-term needs.

3. Timing is everything. Your KM strategy should identify the sequencing of key activities and building capabilities that will help build the overall infrastructure and demonstrate organizational value sooner rather than later.

4. The KM strategy leverages common processes and technology. Value is gained from the application of KM across the enterprise, leveraging a common knowledge flow process enabled by standard IT tools. Support collaboration within and among business units and functions.

5. The strategy will transform the perception and value of KM. If your KM strategy is successful, then it will show results, avoid redundancy and duplication of effort (and investment), and enhance competiveness.”

Cindy Huber

To check out The New Edge in Knowledge, please click here.

I also urge you to check out O’Dell’s earlier book, If Only We Knew What We Know: The Transfer of Internal Knowledge and Best Practice, co-authored with C. Jackson Grayson.  To do so, please click here.

Finally, I urge you to check out the abundance of resources and services available at the the American Productivity and Quality Center (APQC).

O’Dell has served as its president since 1995; Hubert serves as Executive Director, Delivery Services.