Knowledge - D.Hislop 2005

The objectivist perspective on Knowledge:

Data: raw numbers, images, sounds, words derived from observation or measurement.

Information: represents data in a meaningful pattern, data where some intellectual input has been added.

Knowledge: emerges from the apllication, analysis and productive use of data and/or information. Data or information where another layer of intellectual analysis has been added, where it is interpreted, meaning is attached, structured/linked with existing systems of beliefs and bodies of knowledge.

Knowledge provides the means to analyse, understand data & Information, provides beliefs about the casualty of events/actions and the basis to guide meaningful action/thought.

The knowledge we possess shapes the data/information we collect and the way it is analysed.

The objectivist character of Knowledge:
* Knowledge is an entity/ object: people may posess knowledge but it can exsist independently.eg. a text-based manual whether in print, Cd, or on the web.
* Based on positivist philosophy - knowledge regarded as objective (facts): It is possible to develop a type of knowledge that is free from individual subjectivity.Knowledge is seen as equivalent to scientific laws and facts that are consistent across cultures and time.
* Explicit knowledge (objective) privileged over tacit knowledge (subjective): Explicit knowledge can be expressed in a systematic and formal language where as tacit knowledge is highly personal (insights, intuitions, hunches).
* Knowledge is derived from an intellectual process: Primarily a cognitive process.


Polarised dichotomy of the work of Michael Polanyi (1958, 1983):

Explicit Knowledge:
* codifiable
* objective
* impersonal
* context independent
* easy to share

Tacit Knowledge:
* inexpressible in a codifiable form
* Subjective
* Personal
* Context specific
* Difficult to share

Splender (1996) applied this to groups:
Explicit: Individual- Conscious, Group - Objectified
Tacit: Individual - Automatic, Group - Collective

Knowledge Management Process - (eg. creating a pathfinder)
1. Starting point, codifying relevant knowledge : converting tacit knowledge to explicit knowledge. Identifying what knowledge is relevant and making it explicit (eg. brainstorming for a concept map at the beginning of a topic).
2. Collecting all of the codified knowledge together then structuring it in an easily accessible way making it easily accessible to others (CATEGORISED, INDEXED & CROSS REFERENCED).
3. Making this knowledge available for all potential users.

Technology plays a vital role in every step of the Knowledge Management process.