Knowledge management system

A systematic view of knowledge management issues allows the establishment of aspects related to the subject of reference (here knowledge), and also the managerial functions implemented in relation to this subject. Considering this approach, it can be stated that the knowledge management system is one of the enterprise management subsystems supporting the achievement of economic goals.

The functions and instruments of the knowledge management system in the company cover three areas:

• management of employees' intellectual activities,
• knowledge resources management,
• information support for knowledge management.

Elements of the knowledge management system

Fig. 1. Knowledge management system.

An important element of knowledge management, in addition to the technical means of its collection and exchange, as well as the procedure and principles prevailing in this area, are elements of organizational culture such as: understanding, management support, appropriate incentive programs and developing mutual contacts among employees.

The role of SIM in the knowledge management system

When considering the concept of a knowledge management system in improving managerial information system, it should be stated that it should constitute an integral part of the SIM. The knowledge of managers and managers at all levels in the enterprise is as valuable as the knowledge of operational employees.

Particularly important here may be written (formal, explicit) knowledge about methods of solving decision-making issues and ways of dealing with specific cases of these problems. In the case of higher levels of management, unstructured decisions regarding changes in the functioning of the company in relations with the environment dominate.

This means that all experience from previous actions should be retained in the company to avoid the problem of "learning from mistakes". Learning from mistakes at the level of strategic management can, because it negatively affect the company's situation.

Objectives of the knowledge management process

Among the main goals of using knowledge management systems can be distinguished:

• knowledge creation
• classification of knowledge according to its value in use for a given enterprise
• gathering and organizing knowledge
• transferring knowledge to employees and applying it
• securing the enterprise against loss of knowledge
• increasing competitive advantage

The reasons for the popularity of knowledge management processes

Modern enterprises are increasingly paying attention to the use of knowledge management systems. This happens for the following reasons:

• knowledge is positively perceived by the general public, which means that companies want to be perceived as knowledge-based (and having greater resources than the competition)
• there is an increasingly shorter life cycle of most products and an increase in consumerism, which makes efficient acquisition of *information from the market and its use becoming increasingly important
• the demand for intellectual work increases
• there is a need to organize information obtained by the company in order to avoid an information overflow caused by the rapid development of information techniques and communication speed

People in the knowledge management system

The knowledge management system is not only technology, but above all people. The human mind is the primary source of knowledge and the role of the knowledge management system is to identify this knowledge and further steps towards its effective use in the enterprise.

The conversion of data into information and information into knowledge in business depends on the experience and analytical capabilities of the individual.

The process of building a knowledge base is determined by the variety of systems and ways of managing enterprises. The result is that each manager interprets information individually, creating knowledge unique to him that reflects different management techniques and goals of the organization.

Benefits for employees resulting from knowledge management

The following benefits of using knowledge management processes for employees can be distinguished:

• continuous training and constant personal development
• acquiring new professional competences
• easy and quick access to sources of acquired knowledge, which leads to time savings and increased work efficiency
• sense of belonging to the enterprise
• increase in the level of satisfaction with performed duties
• getting a better position on the labor market
• increase in self-esteem compared to other employees
• the opportunity to show initiative in new situations

Barriers to knowledge sharing

An important social aspect in knowledge management systems is to encourage employees of the organization to share knowledge, which is hindered by many barriers built over the years in traditional organizations. These barriers are:

• competition between employees,
• competition between departments in the organization,
• belief that knowledge is power,
• IT structure failure.

Knowledge management system — recommended articles

Advantages of teamwork — Development of resources — Change management model — Effects of culture — Quality of work — Managing diversity — Organizational progress — Types of organizational change — Communication in management

References

• Davenport, T. H., De Long, D. W., & Beers, M. C. (1998). Successful knowledge management projects. MIT Sloan Management Review, 39(2), 43.