The Nonsense of ‘knowledge Management’ Tom Wilson (2002)

Abstract

This paper examines critically the origins and basis of ‘knowledge management’, its components, and its development as a field of consultancy practice.

Problems in the distinction between ‘knowledge’ and ‘information’ are explored, as well as Polanyi’s concept of ‘tacit knowing’. The concept is examined in the journal literature, the Web sites of consultancy companies, and in the presentation of business schools.

The conclusion is reached that ‘knowledge management’ is an umbrella term for a variety of organizational activities, none of which are concerned with the management of knowledge.

Those activities that are not concerned with the management of information are concerned with the management of work practices, in the expectation that changes in such areas as communication practice will enable information sharing.

Author

Thomas D. Wilson 

Paper

• The nonsense of ‘knowledge management’

The Manager as Facilitator of Dialogue

The Role of Conversation in Health Care Interventions

•  Knowledge Only Exists in the Mind Everything else is information