Every organization would love to achieve proper knowledge management implementation, which is not easy. Before focusing on the implementation, it is good to know what knowledge management is. Knowledge management improves worker productivity and increases the consistency and quality of products and services. It achieves this by capitalizing on knowledge-based and conceptual assets.
Many business organizations opt for knowledge management solutions like data mining, community forum, and blogging to enjoy these benefits. Most of them leap in without first looking at the goals they wish to achieve with these solutions, which leads to failure.
If you want to achieve successful knowledge management, here is a guide to help you.
Key Considerations
A proper knowledge management system must take into consideration the following key areas.
- People
- Technology
- Processes
- Culture
- Structure
Get Ready for the Implementation Challenges
The task is not simple, so you have to anticipate some setbacks, even if you have the best plan.
The following are some obstacles you may face:
- Turning implicit knowledge explicit due to poor recognition or articulation;
- Language and distance barriers in the case of a global company;
- Shortage of technology for communication and information;
- Poorly defined proficiency areas;
- Inadequate stimulus and goals for performance management;
- Mentality and cultural differences and barriers
Critical Steps to Knowledge Management Enactment
There are eight steps in the implementation to help you counter the challenges.
1. Establish the Objectives
Visualize and articulate your end state before choosing a tool and process or setting workflow. Identify and note the business challenges requiring resolution and critical drivers that justify and provide momentum for implementing knowledge management. It is the simplest way to draw objectives.
Be sure to document short and long-term goals pointing at the challenges and supporting the business driving forces to validate the program’s direction.
2. Foresee Change
The implementation is not just about the technology but also changes in culture. Prepare your team in thinking and mode of sharing information. The major challenge with improvement in knowledge sharing is that organizations only reward performance individually. The act advocates for the “knowledge is power” concept rather than sharing knowledge and knowledge-driven habits. A successful implementation will require adjusting the company’s norms and common values, some of which may face employee resistance.
3. Create a Foundation of High-level Process
A top-notch foundation will help you develop all the progressive procedures in the later steps. Consider the people; include contributors and users of the program. You have to finalize and approve the fully-developed process before reaching step seven. Without a proper foundation, you may not enjoy the full potential of the implementation.
4. Know the Technology Needs
You can define your technology needs depending on your objectives. With the vast marketplace, it is crucial to understand the cost of each technology and what it can offer to your business. Some might hinder you from achieving your goals. Also, consider what your staff is using and whether it works for them.
5. Consider Current Condition
Assess your organization’s knowledge management state based on the five core components. A proper assessment should highlight the current state, loopholes between the present and the dream state and recommend closing these gaps. The recommendations will lay a foundation for the roadmap.
6. Create a Roadmap
You have to be sure of senior leadership’s commitment and available funds to implement and maintain the program. Having a strategy for overcoming the challenges helps gain leadership support and required funds. You can present your strategy as a roadmap that addresses particular gaps as per the assessment.
7. Implementation
The implementation and effectiveness of the program need significant funds and personnel. Ensure that you realize your short-term goals; otherwise, the program will lose substantial support and momentum.
8. Measuring and Improving
Do not lose hope if the results from your measuring are not as you would wish. It takes time for your company to become proficient with the program. Instead, find ways of improving the program.
Bottom Line
Though it might cost you significant time and resources to implement proper knowledge management, the results are worth the effort. Businesses that invest in this area can attest to a positive outcome quickly.
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