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1 Introduction to Knowledge Management

A light bulb in the socket is worth two in the pocket.
— Bill Wolf (1950 – 2001)

This chapter provides an introduction to the study of knowledge management (KM).
A brief history of knowledge management concepts is outlined, noting that much of
KM existed before the actual term came into popular use. The lack of consensus over
what constitutes a good defi nition of KM is addressed and the concept analysis tech-
nique is described as a means of clarifying the conceptual confusion that still persists
over what KM is or is not. The multidisciplinary roots of KM are enumerated together
with their contributions to the discipline. The two major forms of knowledge, tacit
and explicit, are compared and contrasted. The importance of KM today for individu-
als, for communities of practice, and for organizations are described together
with the emerging KM roles and responsibilities needed to ensure successful KM
implementations.

Learning Objectives

1. Use a framework and a clear language for knowledge management concepts.
2. Defi ne key knowledge management concepts such as intellectual capital, organiza-
tional learning and memory, knowledge taxonomy, and communities of practice
using concept analysis.
3. Provide an overview of the history of knowledge management and identify key
milestones.
4. Describe the key roles and responsibilities required for knowledge management
applications.