Knowledge Management

745 Words2 Pages

One of the primary reasons for the heightened interest in knowledge management is owing to the advances in information and communication technologies. But why have these technologies created such interest in how people can manage knowledge? Grover and Davenport (2001) highlight that the computing technology evolves in business to the point where it generates interest in managing knowledge. It starts by enabling processes at the level of transactions at the point of work. These systems were collecting amount of data which need to be processed to make sense out of it, and hence, the advent of data processing systems. Such a vast amount of information needs to be interpreted and applied by the management for effective action and even these reports and aggregated information is becoming too much and had to be managed by management information systems (Alavi & Leidner 2001). It is not just the management work that is becoming more knowledge intensive but the production work is also becoming knowledge intensive (Kelloway & Barling 2000). Further, information technology is an integral part of all types of work. As a result of this confluence, the focus has once again shifted to the point of work, the only difference being that this focus is not just on the task that has to be automated or the technology that implements it, rather it is focus on the task, technology and the individual who executes his/her task based on their knowledge (Orlikowski, WJ 2000). Alavi & Leidner (2001) explain that information technology supports the various processes of knowledge creation, storage, transfer and application at an organizational level is dealt with quite extensively. Similarly, Lee & Choi (2003) highlight that information technology ... ... middle of paper ... ...port collaboration, coordination and communication process can enhance an individual access to others (Alavi & Leidner 2001). At an individual level, apart from enabling easy access to others knowledge, these technologies also enable them to share what they know with others. Computer networks, electronic bulletin boards and computer-mediated communications like email are some such technologies that enable them to share what they know (Alavi & Leidner 2001). Other obvious information technologies that enable sharing of one’s knowledge include, file transfers, interoperable technologies, online collaboration and video conferences. It is also possible to share both tacit and explicit knowledge as it is created or applied using information technology. Therefore, the support of information technology is essential for initiating and carrying out knowledge management.

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