Conference report 2006 KMWorld Conference Review

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to discuss the annual KMWorld Conference that took place October 31 through November 2, 2006 in San Jose, California.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the conference presentations that indicated that knowledge management may be at the end of one era and at the beginning of its next stage.

Findings

Conference presentations pointed to three themes affecting KM. The first theme was that new elements are being associated with KM, specifically innovation. The second theme was that emerging technologies have become great levelers and social network enablers for members of organizations. The third theme was that KM theory and practice were in the process of transformation. This last theme has the sub‐themes: KM would become more socio‐technocratic; it would devolve from large‐scale enterprise‐wide initiatives to specific project‐oriented initiatives; or the view that KM could not fulfill its promise and that the real work at hand was in the areas of sense making and related approaches which more effectively resolve otherwise complex and otherwise irresolvable dilemmas faced by organizations. Despite these varying perspectives, a recurring message was that the principles, the value and values of KM have been absorbed into overall organizational management schemes.

Originality/value

The outcome appears to be that KM is evolving into a more boundaryless, continuously reframing discipline. KM's opportunities lie in exploring these new perspectives and technologies to best redefine how knowledge management can create the most value in organizations and their social networks.

Citation

Chatzkel, J. (2007), "Conference report 2006 KMWorld Conference Review", Journal of Knowledge Management, Vol. 11 No. 4, pp. 159-166. https://doi.org/10.1108/13673270710762783