Insights archive

Knowledge Creation through Social Networks

10 May 2012
Posted by Dilip Bhatt

Social networks are critical sources of knowledge creation in any organisation. No, I’m not talking about Twitter or Linked-In, but good old fashioned face to face interactions.

Often organisations will focus on improving information gathering and sharing as part of developing their knowledge management strategy with the emphasis on the explicit elements of information objects. However, a great deal of knowledge creation (learning) happens by the coffee machine or a chance meeting in the staff café. This tacit knowledge is not easily managed and cannot be pigeon holed. Due to its fuzzy nature not enough effort is made to develop associated strategies to develop tacit knowledge.

In fact the issues are wider still; our organisational structures are likely changing from highly structured to collaborative groups. We need to do more with fewer resources, we need to act faster than before, we need to be far more flexible then we were in the past, the workplace is changing with the increased prominence of the social elements within our enterprises. To be ahead of the curve we need to provide the culture and environment to maximise collaboration and develop communities of practice.  It’s all about people to people interactions.

By way of a start, developing social network maps is one tool that can help to develop the tacit knowledge sharing. The emphasis is on who knows what, who interacts with whom and how often. To be a true learning organisation both the tacit and explicit knowledge must be understood and managed effectively. The challenges are far wider than technology alone. The ‘social’ enterprise challenge is to move from conversation to collaboration, from just dialogue to problem solving, from ideas to a culture of innovation. The purpose is to develop the environment for people to share their passion and better still deliver products and services maximising on their desire and drive.

Chaucer has a clear and systematic approach to evaluating and implementing knowledge management strategies and the expertise in supporting organisations develop their social enterprise networks and deliver the associated benefits.

Make a Comment

The 'One Room' Company!

26 Apr 2011
Posted by Rob Taylor

Much is said, and much is misunderstood, when discussing the benefits of pursuing a strategy for managing an organisation’s knowledge. Most organisations are also aware that knowledge capture is different to capturing data.

It’s not about technology either, and it requires a shift in the behaviour of individuals if it is to succeed. For a large organisation with thousands of people located across the globe, sharing anything, let alone their knowledge is a challenge, so why not put them in one room.
 
The technology permits you to build one room, albeit virtually, that everyone can occupy, across time-zones, where everyone can be heard and most questions can be answered instantaneously.

Chaucer can help you ensure that you select the right approach for identifying the appropriate knowledge journey for your organisation. We might not know what knowledge, if exploited, will grow your business, but we have a ‘way’ of leading you through your journey of discovery.

Make a Comment