Description: Knowledge management is the process of capturing, distributing, and effectively using knowledge. This concept focuses on creating an environment where both explicit and tacit knowledge can be shared and leveraged to improve decision-making and innovation within an organization. Knowledge management involves identifying what knowledge is valuable, how it can be stored, and how it can be transferred among members of the organization. The main characteristics of this process include collaboration, effective communication, and the use of information technologies to facilitate access to information. The relevance of knowledge management lies in its ability to transform an organization’s intellectual capital into a strategic asset, enabling companies to quickly adapt to market changes and enhance their competitiveness. In a world where information is abundant, knowledge management becomes an essential tool for maximizing human and organizational potential, ensuring that knowledge is not lost and is used efficiently to achieve business objectives.
History: The term ‘knowledge management’ began to gain popularity in the 1990s, although its roots can be traced back to organizational theories and organizational learning from earlier decades. In 1991, the book ‘The Knowledge-Creating Company’ by Ikujiro Nonaka and Hirotaka Takeuchi laid the groundwork for the formal study of knowledge management, proposing a model for knowledge creation in organizations. Since then, knowledge management has evolved, integrating information technologies and collaborative approaches to facilitate knowledge sharing.
Uses: Knowledge management is used in various areas, including process improvement, innovation, training, and human talent development. Organizations implement knowledge management systems to capture lessons learned, foster collaboration among teams, and facilitate access to critical information. It is also applied in creating knowledge databases, communities of practice, and online collaboration platforms.
Examples: An example of knowledge management is the use of platforms like SharePoint or Confluence, where employees can share documents, ideas, and best practices. Another practical application is the creation of communities of practice in companies, where employees from different areas come together to exchange knowledge and experiences. Additionally, many organizations use knowledge management systems to document processes and procedures, ensuring that critical knowledge is available to all employees.
