12/08/2016

FunctionsofKnowledgeManagement

FunctionsofKnowledgeManagement

We can divide all the functions performed by KM in five main

categories:
1. Intermediation: Intermediation refers to the brokering or
knowledge transfer between an appropriate knowledge provider
and knowledge seeker. Its role is to "match" a knowledge seeker
with the optimal source of knowledge for that seeker. By doing
so, intermediation ensures a much more efficient transfer of
knowledge.
2. Externalization: Externalization refers to the transfer of
knowledge from the minds of its holders into an external
repository, in the most efficient way possible. The function of
externalization is to provide the sharing of knowledge. This is
where Competitive Intelligence/Business Intelligence comes in.
Through KM tools it is possible to track the vast quantity of
data about competitors from news stories to price changes.
3. Internalization: Internalization is the extraction of knowledge
from the external repository, and the filtering of this knowledge
to provide greater relevance to the knowledge seeker.
Knowledge should be presented to the user in the form most
suitable to its comprehension. This, this function may include
interpretation and/or reformatting of the presentation of the
knowledge. To implement this function, companies can build
yellow pages thus mapping and categorizing the skills and work
experience of the organization. Another aspect of internalization
would be the documentation of best practices.
4. Cognition: Cognition is the function of systems to make
decisions based on available knowledge. Cognition is the
application of knowledge which has been exchanged through
the preceding three functions.
5. Measurement: Measurement refers to all KM activities that
measure, map and quantify corporate knowledge and the
performance of KM solutions. This function acts to support the
other four functions, rather than to actually manage the
knowledge itself.

These macro KM functions are combinations of many atomic

functions, namely those of:
finding, mapping, gathering, and filtering information
developing new knowledge (identifying relations among
items and sharing information)
http://web.mit.edu/ecom/www/Project98/G4/Sections/section1c.html

1/2

12/08/2016

FunctionsofKnowledgeManagement

converting personal knowledge into shared knowledge

resources
understanding and learning
adding value to information to create knowledge
enabling action through knowledge (performance and
management)
processing shared knowledge resources delivering
(transferring) explicit knowledge
building adequate technical infrastructures.

http://web.mit.edu/ecom/www/Project98/G4/Sections/section1c.html

2/2