First the invitation then the response:
> Comments, Critique and Discussion are invited on the new paper posted
> online on the WWW Virtual Library on Knowledge Management
> The paper is titled Knowledge Management for the New World of Business
> and is accessible at:
>
> http://www.brint.com/km/whatis.htm
>
> This paper proposes a definition of Knowledge Management that goes
> beyond the quickfix solutions or unidimensional views offered by
> many others. This definition is intended to move the thinking of
> corporate executives towards the strategic, non-linear and
> systemic view of Knowledge Management necessary for survival in
> an increasingly discontinuous and unpredictable world.
> Yogesh Malhotra
The response- The paper contrasts the linear nature of traditional
approaches vs the non-linear realityof business as part of the
requirements for a new vision of knowledge management. The discussion
should be on the tension between non-linear knowledge and linear
management.
The knowledge process is cyclical rather than linear. Discovery, sharing,
feedback, (re)discovery, sharing feedback and so on. The image would be an
open funnel at either end of a tube. The discovery enters the tube at one
end and the feedback enters the tube at the other end. What needs to be
managed is the linear tube that serves as a conduit between people in the
knowledge process.
To use older agricultural terms, knowledge can be harvested, collected,
processed and distributed, but itself can not be managed. What can be
managed is the structure in which knowledge can be discovered. Networks
should be managed to make sure they are reliable conduits of knowledge
collections, and readily available to those that need access. Access might
be managed.
Almost 20 years ago when I ran a school program I trained my teachers in
non-linear thinking about their students. The teachers had been trained in
linear thinking - they were trained to manage their students on a one to
many basis. The problem is that the students react on a non-linear basis.
They relate on a one to one basis with each of the other students. The
challenge is to create a structure in which all on these one to one
relationships gets harnessed toward learning. That is the basis for
creating the community of learning that fosters the development of
knowledge discovery. The conversion of thinking and planning is difficult
for us, but my teachers found that structuring the energies of these one
to one relationships is easier than trying to discipline or manage it.
(N2 - N)/2 is an interesting formula that applies here, where N is the
number of people in a group.( N square minus N) divided by 2) In a group
of 10 there are 45 of these one to one relationships..10 square is 100,
minus 10 is 90, divided by 2 is 45. Linear measure, 1 to 10, actual
non-linear number 55 counting the leader.
Rote mastery of traditional knowledge happens on that linear basis.
Knowledge discovery, knowledge creation, knowledge harvesting happens when
each of the one to one relationships is allowed to participate in the
process.
Nicolas L. Behrmann
The Intellectual Capitalist Newsletter
313-882-4923
jmb30x@internetmci.com
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Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>