Knowledge Management and Organizational Performance

Knowledge Management and Organizational Performance

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Part1 Knowledge Management

Knowledge management is the act of storage, organization and sharing of important information so that it is accessible and beneficial to everyone in the organization (Schwartz 2006). There are two ways of implementing different knowledge types in organizations in order to expand knowledge management. The technology-based systems include collaborative web applications where everyone can access information and edit or add something onto it. It can also include databases and programs from the company with organized information that everyone can access.

Softer systems are the particular procedures or meetings that are organized for the people within the same organization to share knowledge and connect with each other (Schwartz 2006). When implementing the knowledge management systems, it is important to identif tacit knowledge as the first thing. This can be done by arranging for a session whereby the team brainstorms and the ideas produced are on how this should be done. The other important thing to note is that it is always helpful to begin with a small team. This reduces overwhelming in instances that the team is big. From there, once the knowledge keeping and organization tactics are devised, only then is it advisable to move to other larger groups.

Most staff in many organizations can only share their knowledge in a comfortable environment. When knowledge sharing is made a regular culture in an organization, it makes the staff get more comfortable and confident to share. It is also important to enhance the sharing process by making rewards a regular thing to those who share. This always works as a motivator.

Since every one in the organization is busy, it is important the knowledge sharing process is made as easy as can be. It the process is complex and consumes a lot of time, no one will be willing to participate in the exercise. When making a program of the people to do the exercise, the most likely retirees should make it on top of the list. This is to ensure that no one leaves the information before his or her information has been processed. While I was working in the mall, knowledge-sharing activities were mostly used. The team leader always used to plan for meetings where we would share our ideas on how to better the management of the shop.

Part 2 Organizational Performance

It is true that the integrated knowledge management model provides a solution to enable organizations to flourish in all activities. An integrated knowledge management model detects and discovers existing knowledge by searching. It also uncovers knowledge that might have been hidden within the information and data. The model organizes and assesses knowledge assets. This knowledge is evaluated, put into categories and made is easy to access by giving route maps. The model possesses some important strategic schemes like Act-reuse. This means that if the organization can uses already existing knowledge to meet planned opportunity or a threat. It is the role of the knowledge management to make available the knowledge so it can be used.

Act-Create is the next tactic it uses. If the needed knowledge resources are not available then the organization has to make them but this is only achievable if the proper practices and systems are available.           This process is entirely dependent on the right relationships between partners or staff in an organization. The third tactic is failure to act. It dictates that when an organization does not act, a lesson is still to be learned. Management must note this and be ready to face it in the future. The strategic initiatives of the model are to invest or divest where the former stands for supporting, implementing, and the latter means removal of any obsolete knowledge assets from the organization.

Reference:

KMT. (n.d). An Integrated Knowledge Management Model. Retrieved from http://www.knowledge-management-tools.net/knowledge-management-model.html

Mind Tools.(n.d) Knowledge Management. Retrieved from http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newISS_87.htm

Schwartz, D. G. (2006). Encyclopedia of knowledge management. Hershey, PA: Idea Group Reference.