The nonsense of 'knowledge management'

• Main Author: T.D. Wilson
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: University of Borås 2002-01-01
• Series: Information Research: An International Electronic Journal
• Subjects: knowledge management; tacit knowing; consultancy; business schools; information management; work practices; communication; information sharing
• Online Access: http://informationr.net/ir/8-1/paper144.html

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 is 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.