|
 Knowledge Management > Knowledge Sharing Cycle
Knowledge Sharing Cycle
- How is data transformed into information?
- How is information transformed to knowledge?
- How is tacit and explicit knowledge converted into information?
- How is information converted into data?
These relationships and activities are modeled in "The Knowledge Sharing Cycle" developed by Frank Kappe. The following table is an adapted excerpt from his article "Knowledge Management with the Hyperwave eKnowledge Infrastructure" (2001):
| Internalizing |
Process of understanding information, putting it into context with existing knowledge, and therefore transforming the information into knowledge. This part of the cycle happens inside the human mind and therefore can be supported but not replaced by technology. |
| Create |
New knowledge is created in the minds of individuals, typically by combining previous knowledge they have received from other people with their own insights or experiences. Other ways to create knowledge in a company are hiring new people, renting knowledge by hiring consultants or professionals for specific jobs, or acquisition of whole companies including their knowledge base. Again, this part of the cycle is outside the scope of technology. |
| Externalizing |
Process of explaining knowledge, thus transforming it into information. This can be as simple as speaking to somebody, writing a document, drawing a figure, preparing a presentation, or teaching. A significant problem where many KM initiatives fail is motivating people to actually do this, and do it well. Unfortunately, there is not much that technology can do to increase motivation, as it is primarily an issue of corporate culture. |
| Capturing |
Process of transforming information into data, so that it can be stored and processed by computers (also called codifying). This process should be made as easy as possible. On one hand it should be easy to capture the information, on the other hand the information should be searchable, enriched with metadata when possible (most importantly who created it and when), and accessible by a wide range of users (e.g. over the Internet) without requiring special hardware or software. |
| Storing |
Process of actually entering data into the corporate knowledge base. It should be as simple as possible for users to store files, data or metadata. |
| Organize / Refine |
Once information is stored in the system, its usability and accessibility can be greatly improved by putting it into context and enriching it with additional knowledge. |
| Disseminate |
Process that publishes access the data stored in the corporate knowledge base. Typically this uses Internet/ Intranet/ Extranet technology. Publishing and access schemes may vary, depending on the application and requirements at hand. |
| Access |
Process where the data or knowledge artifacts are invoked by authorized users so that they can make use of it |
|
