«If we apply knowledge to tasks that we already know how to do, it is called productivity, if we apply knowledge to tasks that are new and different, it is called innovation» Drucker
Knowledge is a personal human capacity like intelligence, it can be acquired through lived experience through the perception of our senses, that is, through our interaction with the elements that can transmit knowledge such as a book, a trip, school, friends, parents, etc. Knowledge management consists of managing non-tangible assets such as individual and organizational learning, patents and permanent innovation.
In the last two decades, especially in the last one, there has been a trend in the business world towards the higher valuation of knowledge, due in a large percentage to developments in information technology. Statistics tell us that in the 1950s, workers engaged in manufacturing or moving things were the majority in developed countries. Around 1990, they would have been reduced to 20%, estimating that in the year 2000 they will not be more than 10%.1
Knowledge management
Convert knowledge into business, into a source of wealth, through appropriate treatment
And it is that this statistic allows us to believe that only if intellectual capital is enhanced, true wealth can be created and economic growth generated, both at the level of organizations and nations. Have you ever wondered why Microsoft is worth what it is worth and why, having less valuable physical assets, it surpasses in market value other industrial companies (steel, automotive,…) that have large plants and machinery, well if you ask yourself The answer will be found in Microsoft's ability to generate wealth through knowledge. Its most valuable asset is precisely knowledge, its capacity for innovation, learning, flexibility, rapid change, adaptation, in short, applied knowledge.
Knowledge management has occurred through generations, since humans began to tell stories to each other. The novelty is that it is being considered as a business activity with the objective of obtaining commercial benefits 2
The following stations or steps can be identified in the knowledge management process:
- Generation of knowledge: in this phase necessary knowledge is created or developed that, up to now, there is no Capture / Acquisition: this stage consists of importing and collecting information, for which typically human or automatic elements such as databases. Organization: once you have the information you must proceed to filter it, recognize what is important and what is not, it must be analyzed and validated, human and automatic elements can also be involved. Search / Use: since we have selected, organized, categorized and related the information, we must make it available to those who need it, a typical example is an internet search engine or a database filter. Publication: As information is so sifted, it will now be useful for those who require it, so we will publish it. Distribution: whoever needs it, will be able to access the published information, which has already been converted into material that, when interacting with the person, will allow them to create knowledge. Now, a new cycle will begin based on new knowledge that is not available but is necessary.
Through this process the transformation of Information into Knowledge is presented. But everything does not end there, this knowledge must be shared by all the agents of the organization so that it pays off, in addition the process or cycle must be continuously starting new information-knowledge transformation processes, in order to be ahead, the environment current competitive requires it.
Steps
* Knowledge generation * Capture / acquisition * Organization * Search / Use * Publication * Distribution
Despite the fact that information technologies, networks and all these advances have enhanced intellectual capital, the need to acquire new knowledge is inherent to the human race, and it also constitutes one of the basic needs of the individual, a company that does not whether or not it encourages the development of intellectual capital, it will probably be doomed to failure.
Bibliography
1. ARROYO M, Ana. «Do you know the meaning and implication of knowledge management?». In: Robotiker Magazine, No. 0, April 2000
2. GARCÍA-TAPIAL, Joaquín, "The strategic importance of knowledge management", Diario de Sevilla, June 4, 2000
