New Beginnings as a Knowledge Manager
 

I am beginning my stint as a professional within the field of knowledge management. This area is an exciting and expansive one, because knowledge management permeates through ever facet of human life. Whatever activity or behavior a person engages in , something new has been learned. To me knowledge management involves the process of capturing this knowledge, making it available for others to use, learn and grow from.

The creating, sharing and application of knowledge is in my opinion not a phenomena that can be initiated simply by putting in place technological modalities. A KM strategy will have to grow organically within an organization. The manner in which people think and how they operate will need to be taken into consideration  when initiating a strategy.

I look at knowledge management as a cultural movement, a shift that encourages people to share and contribute their knowledge to others. This is not something that happens automatically skills regarding critical thinking and self-direction should be developed and refined like any other skill in order for people to be effective. The skills of self-regulation and critical thinking are necessary in order for people to function fully within a KM paradigm.


The benefits of encouraging the development of a KM system in my opinion far outweigh the expense and effort required. Managing the knowledge within an organization helps the enterprise develop reflective practitioners capable of critical thought. This is an essential prerequisite for organizational innovation. Innovation is a matter of cultural awareness, something to be nurtured in the hearts and minds of people. Knowledge management strategies should help to create this shift in cultural perspective that can act as a catalyst for the creation, sharing and application of knowledge.