Knowledge Management Glossary
Comprehensive guide to KM terminology and concepts - Alphabetically organized
💡 Features: Terms auto-sort alphabetically • Export/Import for backup • Duplicate prevention
48
Knowledge Management Terms
1
Knowledge Management (KM)
The process of capturing, distributing, and efficiently using knowledge to achieve organizational goals.
Example:
A company uses KM to reduce duplicate work by creating a shared repository of research findings.
2
Knowledge Base
A structured repository that holds documents, FAQs, guides, and articles to provide answers and support.
Example:
Google's Help Center serves as a knowledge base for troubleshooting advice.
3
Explicit Knowledge
Knowledge that is formalized and easily documented, such as procedures and policies, often stored in databases for easy retrieval.
Example:
A company's handbook outlining employee benefits.
4
Tacit Knowledge
Knowledge gained through personal experience and context, often difficult to document.
Example:
A senior engineer sharing troubleshooting techniques with a junior engineer.
5
Knowledge Sharing
The act of exchanging knowledge, insights, or expertise among team members or departments to improve learning.
Example:
Weekly "Lunch and Learn" sessions where employees share project insights.
6
Community of Practice (CoP)
A group that shares a common interest in a subject, learning collectively and innovating in their field.
Example:
A group of software developers meeting regularly to discuss coding techniques.
7
Best Practices
Proven, standardized methods or approaches that lead to effective and efficient outcomes.
Example:
Using agile methodologies for project management in tech firms.
8
Knowledge Capture
Collecting valuable information, insights, and lessons from individuals to retain knowledge for future use.
Example:
Documenting procedures and insights from a retiring employee.
9
Knowledge Retention
Ensuring critical knowledge remains within the organization through documentation and planning.
Example:
Creating manuals or training videos on essential processes.
10
Collaborative Tools
Digital platforms that support team communication and collaboration across locations.
Example:
Slack and Microsoft Teams for remote and hybrid teams.
11
Knowledge Transfer
Systematic sharing of information or expertise to ensure continuity and efficiency.
Example:
Cross-training employees in different departments.
12
Content Management System (CMS)
Software that helps create, manage, and publish digital content, essential for organizing knowledge resources.
Example:
WordPress or Drupal for corporate websites.
13
Learning Management System (LMS)
A platform to deliver and track training and educational programs, enabling upskilling.
Example:
LinkedIn Learning for employee development.
14
Knowledge Flow
The movement of knowledge across an organization, through formal and informal channels.
Example:
Monthly interdepartmental meetings to update on project progress.
15
Information Overload
When excessive information overwhelms employees, affecting their ability to focus.
Example:
Constant notifications and emails disrupting employees' focus.
16
Intellectual Capital
The collective knowledge assets of an organization, creating value through skills, processes, and relationships.
Example:
A software firm's intellectual capital includes proprietary code and developer expertise.
17
Knowledge Mapping
Documenting and visually representing knowledge sources, flow, and gaps for better accessibility.
Example:
Using diagrams to show key knowledge holders in departments.
18
Knowledge Worker
An individual whose primary role is creating value through analysis, problem-solving, and innovation.
Example:
Data scientists developing business insights from data.
19
KM Strategy
Policies and initiatives designed to manage, share, and optimize knowledge within an organization.
Example:
Implementing a central knowledge repository.
20
Knowledge Audit
A systematic review of an organization's knowledge assets to identify gaps and improvement areas.
Example:
Analyzing document usage to determine the most valuable resources.
21
Content Curation
Selecting, organizing, and sharing relevant content to ensure team members access high-value information.
Example:
Curating a monthly newsletter with industry articles.
22
Organizational Learning
The continuous process of acquiring and applying knowledge to adapt to changes and improve performance.
Example:
Reflecting on project challenges to inform future initiatives.
23
Expertise Locator
A tool that identifies subject matter experts based on their skills or experience.
Example:
LinkedIn's "Skills & Endorsements" section to find experts.
24
Document Management System (DMS)
Software that stores, tracks, and manages documents, often with search and retrieval capabilities.
Example:
A legal firm using a DMS to organize case files and contracts.
25
Lessons Learned
Documented insights from past projects to avoid repeating mistakes and improve future performance.
Example:
Conducting a project review to record lessons learned after completion.
26
Knowledge Repository
A central database where knowledge, documents, and best practices are stored for easy access.
Example:
Salesforce's repository with customer service scripts and guides.
27
Knowledge Portal
A single-entry web interface providing access to various knowledge resources, often personalized.
Example:
An intranet portal offering access to training resources and manuals.
28
Knowledge Governance
Rules, roles, and policies to ensure knowledge is managed, shared, and applied in alignment with organizational goals.
Example:
Guidelines on confidentiality for sharing sensitive knowledge.
29
Metadata
Data that describes other data, making it easier to organize and retrieve information.
Example:
Using tags and keywords on documents to enhance searchability.
30
Knowledge Stewardship
Responsibility for maintaining and safeguarding knowledge assets, ensuring they remain relevant and accurate.
Example:
Regularly updating procedural guides.
31
Storytelling
A method of sharing knowledge through narratives to make information memorable and relatable.
Example:
Sharing customer success stories to demonstrate product impact.
32
Social Learning
Learning through collaboration and interaction with others, often enhanced through digital tools.
Example:
Teams using online forums to discuss project challenges.
33
Succession Planning
Preparing for future leadership or critical roles by training successors and transferring essential knowledge.
Example:
Training a junior employee to take over a retiring executive's role.
34
Information Architecture
Structuring information within systems or websites to enhance navigation and usability.
Example:
Designing a website layout that intuitively guides users to resources.
35
Change Management
A structured approach to transitioning individuals and teams to a new state, often involving knowledge transition.
Example:
A project plan for training employees on new software.
36
Benchmarking
Comparing processes and outcomes against industry standards to identify areas for improvement.
Example:
Analyzing customer service response times relative to competitors.
37
Knowledge Brokers
Individuals or teams that connect different parts of an organization by facilitating knowledge transfer.
Example:
A cross-functional team that shares industry trends.
38
Enterprise Content Management (ECM)
Strategies and tools for organizing, storing, and controlling documents and content across its lifecycle.
Example:
ECM systems like OpenText used to manage corporate records.
39
Knowledge Lifecycle
The stages knowledge goes through from creation to retention and eventual disposal if obsolete.
Example:
A product guide being created, updated, and eventually archived.
40
After-Action Review (AAR)
A structured review process to discuss and learn from recent project outcomes.
Example:
Reviewing a project post-completion to identify successes and lessons.
41
Knowledge Silos
Barriers to knowledge sharing within departments or teams, often caused by lack of collaboration.
Example:
Isolated departments that don't communicate their research.
42
Knowledge Accessibility
Ensuring employees can easily access needed information and resources.
Example:
Making documents searchable on the intranet.
43
Intellectual Property (IP)
Creations of the mind, such as inventions, that are legally protected and part of organizational knowledge assets.
Example:
Patents, trademarks, and copyrights owned by a company.
44
Information Lifecycle Management (ILM)
Strategies for managing data from creation through its useful life and disposal.
Example:
Archiving customer records after they are no longer needed.
45
Collaborative Filtering
Using algorithms to suggest relevant content based on user behavior or preferences.
Example:
Amazon's recommendation engine.
46
Knowledge Distillation
Condensing complex knowledge into simpler formats to make it more accessible.
Example:
Summarizing detailed research reports into key findings.
47
Organizational Memory
The collective knowledge stored within an organization, including records, traditions, and practices.
Example:
Archives of past marketing campaigns.
48
Knowledge Ecosystem
The interconnected network of people, processes, and technologies that support knowledge sharing and creation.
Example:
A company's network of teams, tools, and databases supporting KM.