Collecting tacit knowledge in the organization can be a notable challenge. While this information provides critical insights to the specific methods and procedures used by employees to accomplish goals, finding methods that can be used for collecting this type of information in the organization can be notable challenge. Given the challenges that exist with respect to this process, this investigation considers the application of knowledge management to the larger context of information gathering. This research demonstrates that while it is difficult to collect and manage knowledge, information collection can enhance this process overall. This investigation also examines the benefits and drawbacks of knowledge management. Although knowledge management is considered to be a key issue for organizational development it remains an elusive accomplishment for most companies.Throughout the course of the twentieth century, organizations have sought to find new ways to increase productivity and profitability. The end result of this process has been the development and proliferation of a wide range of theories that attempt to better elucidate the needs and challenges facing the organization.
[...] Although MacLachlan provides a clear picture of the basics of records management, Ashe and Nealy (2004) note the use of electronic records as a means to improve information gathering and knowledge management in the organization. As noted by these authors, “Individuals responsible for managing records are becoming aware that accelerating digital technologies are the storage mode the 21st century” (p. 113). These authors go on to note however, that unless programs are developed to make sense of digital information, this data has relatively no benefit for the organization. [...]
[...] Butler contends that the number and types of information that are available coupled with the wide range of methods to collect and disseminate information make the process of knowledge management challenging to describe in one succinct definition. Despite this challenge however, Butler does make the following broad observations when it comes to the definition of knowledge management: “Generally, knowledge management is a discipline that promotes an integrated approach to identifying, managing and sharing all of an organization's information assets, regardless of how or where they are located. [...]
[...] Purpose of Information Management in the Organization With the basic context and definition of knowledge management defined, it is now possible to consider the purpose of knowledge and information management in the organization. As noted by Henczel (2001) it is important for organizations to recognize that knowledge in the organization cannot be directly managed. Rather, the organization must manage information in the organization in an effort to control the development and proliferation of knowledge in the organization. This issue is well illustrated in the spread of tacit knowledge in the organization. [...]
[...] (2000) Knowledge management: If only you knew what you knew. Australian Library Journal 31-43. Choo, C.W., Detlor, B., & Turnbull, D. (2000). The intranet as infrastructure for knowledge work. In: J. Mackenzie Owen Web Work: Information Seeking and Knowledge Work on the World Wide Web, Information Science and Knowledge Management, (pp. 71-100). Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic Publishers. Henczel, S. (2001). The information audit as a first step towards effective knowledge management. Information Outlook, 48-62. MacLachlan, L. (2004). From architecture to construction: The electronic records management programme at DTI. [...]
[...] While the specific context of records management as presented by Shepherd and Yeo appears to be quite straightforward, MacLachlan (2004) in his examination of records management at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) observes that this process is one that can be quite complex overall. MacLachlan notes that despite efforts to improve records management at DTI, by the late 1990s, the organization was struggling to effectively manage all of its information. As such, DTI needed to develop a records management system that would enable all employees in the organization to efficiently and effectively access information. [...]
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