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12 The KM Team

He is wise who knows the sources of knowledge — where it is written and where it is to be found.
— A. A. Hodge (1823 – 1886)

This chapter provides an overview of the professionals who form part of the knowledge
management (KM) team. The key skill set required to carry out KM responsibilities is
described using a variety of frameworks. The roles of CKO (chief knowledge offi cer)
and CLO (chief learning offi cer) are introduced and their evolution from the more
traditional CIO (chief information offi cer) is discussed. The new role of chief human
capital offi cer is discussed. The different types of KM jobs that exist and potential KM
employers are outlined and the chapter concludes with a discussion of the emerging
KM profession and some of the ethical issues involved in its practice.

Learning Objectives

1. List the key KM skills required to carry out KM professional work and justify the
need for each one.
2. Describe the different roles that are required for a KM team and list the key respon-
sibilities of each.
3. Understand how a CIO role can evolve into a CKO role or even a CLO position.
4. Identify the different types of potential KM employers.
5. Relate the critical cognitive and attitudinal attributes that an ideal KM professional
should possess.
6. Critically evaluate ethical issues in KM situations in order to make recommenda-
tions on how to successfully prevent and correct any morally challenging hurdles to
KM implementations. Outline the key tenets that should be included in a KM code
of ethics and justify your recommendations.