Nature of knowledge

Knowledge is the information and understanding of a subject, concept, or skill acquired through experience or study. From a management perspective, knowledge is the collective set of facts, ideas, and skills acquired by an organization through study, research, and experience that can be used to inform decision-making and create competitive advantage. Knowledge is not just data or facts, but the application of those facts to reach useful conclusions. The goal of knowledge management is to identify, create, share, and apply knowledge to drive organizational success.

Example of knowledge

• Business knowledge: Business knowledge is gained through years of experience in a particular industry or sector. This type of knowledge includes insights into the competitive landscape, market trends, customer behavior, and industry regulations and standards.
• Technical knowledge: Technical knowledge is the specialized knowledge and skills required to perform a job. This type of knowledge includes expertise in a particular software or hardware program, coding, engineering, or any other type of specialized skill.
• Process knowledge: Process knowledge is the understanding of the steps and procedures required to complete a task. This type of knowledge helps to efficiently and accurately complete tasks and can increase efficiency and accuracy in the workplace.
• Organizational knowledge: Organizational knowledge is the collective set of knowledge and skills possessed by all members of an organization. This type of knowledge can include the understanding of organizational culture, values, and norms, as well as how the organization operates.

Use of knowledge

The nature of knowledge can be used in a variety of ways to help organizations reach their goals. Knowledge can be used to inform decisions, create competitive advantage, and drive organizational success. Here are some of the ways knowledge can be used:

• Knowledge can be used to create effective strategies that align with an organization's goals. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the organization and its environment, knowledge can be leveraged to develop plans and strategies for success.
• Knowledge can be used to develop new processes and methods to increase efficiency and effectiveness. By understanding the existing processes and methods, knowledge can be used to identify opportunities for improvement and develop new procedures that will help the organization reach its objectives.
• Knowledge can be used to identify and understand customer needs and provide solutions to meet those needs. By understanding customer preferences and desires, knowledge can be used to create products and services that meet customer requirements.
• Knowledge can be used to identify and understand emerging trends and develop strategies to capitalize on those trends. By understanding the current and future environment, knowledge can be used to anticipate changes in the market and develop strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

Advantages of knowledge

Knowledge has a number of advantages, which can manifest in both individual and organizational contexts. These advantages include:

• Improved Decision Making: Knowledge allows individuals and organizations to make more informed decisions by providing access to facts, data, and insights that enable better judgments.
• Increased Efficiency: Knowledge improves efficiency by allowing individuals and teams to more quickly and accurately complete tasks.
• Greater Creativity: Knowledge helps people think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to problems.
• Enhanced Collaboration: Knowledge can help build trust among team members and facilitate more effective collaboration.
• Increased Productivity: Knowledge allows employees to work faster and more productively, leading to improved organizational performance.
• Competitive Advantage: Knowledge can provide organizations with a distinct advantage over their competitors.

Nature of knowledge — recommended articles

Knowledge and experience — Knowledge and skills — Transfer of knowledge — Importance of knowledge — Organizational learning theory — Concept of knowledge — Creation of knowledge — Management of knowledge — Knowledge and information

References

• McInerney, C. (2002). Knowledge management and the dynamic nature of knowledge. Journal of the American society for Information Science and Technology, 53(12), 1009-1018.