The changing face of KM

Abstract

Purpose

The ever‐changing nature of the knowledge management (KM) landscape means that many organizations are becoming confused as to what exactly KM is anymore, and what exactly is important, or not, to them as they attempt to understand and implement KM. Accordingly, many organizations are looking for help in understanding KM, and the purpose of this paper is to attempt to provide them with an analysis of some of the challenges they will face, and how they can meet those challenges. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents an overview of typical KM types in most organizations, and looks to explain why they exist, and how they can be effectively facilitated and managed.

Findings

New variations on traditional KM themes, such as Social Networks, Stealth, Personal KM, have emerged over the last few years and many organizations are confused as to what they should, or need, to include in their KM initiatives in order to ensure they are as effective as possible.

Originality/value

The paper examines: what types of KM are evident in most organizations; what drivers and objectives are associated with each type of KM; how the various types of KM intersect, or don't, from a corporate perspective; and, what organizations can do to ensure each type of KM is successful and supports an overall organizational strategy for KM.

Citation

Sinclair, N. (2008), "The changing face of KM", VINE, Vol. 38 No. 1, pp. 22-29. https://doi.org/10.1108/03055720810870860