Knowledge-based org and LO LO19853

Richard Karash (Richard@Karash.com)
Sun, 15 Nov 1998 08:58:56 -0500

I received an inquiry today:

>Dear Sir
>What is the difference between a learning organisation and a
>knowledge-based organisation?
>
>Is a learning organsaition a knowledge-based organisation?

Here is the reply I sent:

I use this definition for knowledge:

Knowledge is the capacity for effective action.

Learning is increasing knowledge. We might think of it as rate of change in
knowledge.

Then when we talk about learning, we are emphasizing the increase in
knowledge. We would focus on the practices & processes, the skills, and the
personal orientation required for doing so.

When we talk about the knowledge-based organization, the emphasis is on the
knowledge and I find it a more static image. I believe much of the thrust
in knowledge management is on finding, codifying, disseminating, and
applying existing knowledge.

The emphasis in the learning organization field is on creating new knowledge.

The two are comlimentary.

I hope this is helpful to you.

-- Rick Karash

-- 

Richard Karash ("Rick") | <http://world.std.com/~rkarash> Speaker, Facilitator, Trainer | email: Richard@Karash.com "Towards learning organizations" | Host for Learning-Org Discussion (617)227-0106, fax (617)523-3839 | <http://www.learning-org.com>

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