Definition of Information Management - Coursework Example

The paper "Definition of Information Management " is a good example of coursework on management.

• QUESTION 1- Knowledge Management Sources

Knowledge management (KM) refers to a multi-disciplined approach that aids in achieving organizational objectives by applying knowledge skills. As cited by Murray (2006), KM emphasizes on processes such as creating, acquiring and sharing knowledge and the technical and cultural foundation supporting such processes. Spender (1998), defines KM as “managing the corporation's knowledge through a systematically and organizationally specified process for acquiring, organizing, sustaining, applying, sharing, renewing both the tacit and explicit knowledge of employees to enhance organizational performance and create value”. Sveiby (1997) looks at KM in a broad perspective involving processes, people, culture, technology, and structure. This multi-faceted analysis as is posited by Sveiby (1997), gives breadth to an understanding of KM in all perspectives.

As is discussed by Murray (2006), KM is a very important aspect in companies in improving decisions making processes, encouraging innovation as a result of giving a chance to free flow of ideas. Additionally, KM is also core to streamlining customers’ response time with an ultimate aim of improving customer service. Other schools of thought also look at KM to be the idea behind streamlining operations in companies and organizations by scrapping the redundant and unwarranted processes. As a management technique, KM involves the construction of knowledge through collation and compilation into knowledge repository (KR) where it can be accessed in case of need. Knowledge, therefore, is embedded in and transmitted through several entities including organizational culture and identity, policies, routines, documents, systems documents and individual employees (Spender, 1998).

• • Sources of knowledge
    • Individual interactions

Individual interactions as a source of information owing to the fact that an organization is composed of individuals who interact both at formal and informal levels during work, meetings, and workshops.

As is posited by Nahapiet and Ghoshal (1998), Interpersonal interaction is formed in the scope of cultural and social contexts varying from associates relations, clubs and work and subject to strict regulation by mutual agreements, customs, and law. Murray (2006) in his relational self-theory, posits that behavior and emotions of individuals interacting with one another are influenced by prior or existing relationships with a new set of intuition and beliefs. The purpose of this source is not limited to social exchange theory which suggests that the relationships reward both in intangible and tangible ways but due to its dynamism it is also vital in communicating values, problem-solving and decision making.

• • • • Meetings

Meetings are formal interactions of individuals at different levels within an organization set-up to discuss issues relating to work and with a view to learning and coming up with solutions. For meetings to sustain knowledge creation, it should be promoted by the senior management unit as a core investment (Spender, 1998). Meetings involve a formal shared knowledge creation space with a widened scope not limited to just giving opinions but messaging of information and ideas in situations of problems.

It purposes to provide an assertive role where ideas, values, opinions, and beliefs are communicated freely for the best interest of the organization (Sveiby, 1997). Additionally, it can also create a pathway to analyzing and exploring options for making a sound decision as well as identifying and solving problems.