Intro to KM: Myths and Reality About KM

Sveiby, Karl-Erik, "Knowledge Management - Lessons from the Pioneers," November 2001, www.sveiby.com.

KM is the same thing as learning
No, learning is a means to an end - KM must have a business focus

KM is a series of procedures which are to be implemented
No, KM is a fundamental shift in strategic paradigm

KM is to capture knowledge kept in the heads of people
No, KM concerns how to create environments for people to create, leverage and share knowledge

KM is a question of ensuring information is sent to everyone
No, central push tends to fail. Catering for demand is much more effective.

KM is a simple add-on to business as usual
No, KM requires deep rooted behavioural and strategic change

KM is a function to be delegated to HR or IT
No, KM requires top management involvement; it is a fundamental shift in strategic perspective.

KM is just a matter of investing in IT
No, IT is a tool for information exchange, but can never drive change