It is possible that some readers may not know how the word "knowledge" is used within this particular area of learning and practice loosely referred to as Knowledge Management.
A good working definition of "Knowledge" in this context can be found in the book "Working Knowledge" by Tom Davenport and Larry Prusak. (See Chapter 1). This book is an excellent and very readable source for anyone wishing to learn their way around this field called "Knowledge Management.
Knowledge is neither data or information though it is related to both. Data, information and knowledge are not interchangeable concepts.
Data is a set of discrete, objective facts about events. There is no inherent meaning in data. Data describes only a part of what happened. It provides no judgment or interpretation and no sustainable basis of action.
Information is data endowed with relevance and purpose (Peter Drucker).
Information is a message usually in the form of a document or an audible or visible communication. It has a sender and a receiver. Information is meant to change the way the receiver perceives something or to have an impact on his judgment or behavior. It must inform. It is data that makes a difference. The receiver not the sender decides whether the message he gets is really information, i.e. does it truly inform him.
Knowledge is a fluid mix of framed experience, values, contextual information, and expert insight that provides a framework for evaluating and incorporating new experiences and information. It originates and is applied in the minds of knowers. In organizations, it often becomes embedded not only in documents or repositories but also in organizational routines, processes, practices and norms.
Knowledge is not neat or simple. It can be fluid as well as formally structured. It is intuitive. Knowledge exists within people. Knowledge can be seen both as process and stock.
If information is to become knowledge, human beings must act to transform it.
- They make comparisons. How does information about this situation compare to other situations we have known?
- The look at the consequences. What implications does the information have for decisions and actions?
- They look at connections. How does this bit of knowledge relate to others?
- They engage in conversations. How do other people think about this information?
Knowledge contains judgment. It can judge new situations and information in light of what is already known. It judges and refines itself in response to new situations and information.
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