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CONCLUSIONS 241

were highlighted as relying almost entirely on codified knowledge and their
professional working practices ensure that what is codified is as unambiguous
as possible. In so doing the law generates vast quantities of codified knowl-
edge that takes the form of legislation and judgements which are subsequently
applied and revised over time.
Codified knowledge may also be more applicable where the objective of
knowledge sharing is the creation of a tangible entity (e.g. in product innovation
projects – see Chapter 9). For example, in the Buckman Labs case (Chapter 6),
the sharing of knowledge about pitch-control strategies was possible because the
knowledge effectively became codified and embodied in the technology itself.
This knowledge was then able to be shared across the global organization, at
least among people with a basic understanding of the technology. Similarly, and
using an example closer to many people’s experience, knowledge about how to
use Windows software applications (e.g. the ability to open, save, edit and drag
files) is effectively codified and communicated in the form of technology itself.
This embodies strict rules over what actions are permissable, or advisable, and
we are reminded of these in very explicit ways – for example, with error mes-
sages, beeps and ‘helpful’ paperclips and dogs. In other words knowledge on
how to use the technology (or product) is effectively codified into the design of
the technology (or product). This means that, once users learn the basic codes
for operating in a Windows environment, they can learn new Windows applica-
tions relatively quickly.
Figure 10.2 below summarizes the discussion in the previous four sections.

Important aspects of Knowledge process
the enabling context
K Create K Integrate K Share K Codify
Self-formed and
managed teams
Time
Diversity
Strong psychological
contract
Shared identity
Trust
Networking
Boundary objects
Boundary spanners
Social capital
Shared perspective
Common language
Tangible output

Figure 10.2 The most important aspects of the enabling context supporting the four
major knowledge processes

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