Where NOT to Start with Knowledge Management?
- Dr. Moria Levy
- Mar 1, 2000
- 2 min read
We are convinced of the importance of knowledge management. We are certain that it is the key to making a quantum leap in achieving organizational goals in our world. Moreover, the existing knowledge within the company is the number one factor for company growth - everything is clear. However, not every subject or activity is recommended for starting and managing knowledge. At least not in the initial stages. At least, if we also want to succeed, and within a reasonable timeframe...
Here is a partial list of prone places:
It's not advisable to manage knowledge where the life expectancy of knowledge items is quite short. A high update rate of items requires a significant investment in maintenance, and a high risk of unreliability if this maintenance is not flawless.
It's not advisable to start knowledge management if we cannot define work processes and/or automated means for updating in advance. A static knowledge repository is as important as a dead one.
It's not advisable to start knowledge management in an environment where information is not managed. If there are no foundations, there's no point in starting with the upper floors. In such places, it's recommended to roll up your sleeves and work on information management. The results will be surprising.
It's not advisable to start knowledge management as a first pilot if you cannot locate an Inside Salesman within the managed group. It's not advisable to start a pilot in a high-risk place. It's not advisable to start a pilot in a location that will take more than half a year to yield results and demonstrate benefits. It's not advisable to start a pilot if it will be difficult to explain the success to external parties and use the pilot as leverage for additional knowledge management activities within the company.
Everything is so trivial, yet so easy to fall into in daily life. It's recommended to keep this list in an accessible place, and simply check each time to ensure we're not going in the wrong direction.
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