The Definition of Knowledge and Its Management: A Guide to Community Management

The Definition of Knowledge and Its Management: A Guide to Community Management

Introduction

In today's rapidly evolving world, the management of knowledge has become increasingly important. As the World Development Report 1988 released by the World Bank states, knowledge is the information for production. However, knowledge is not simply information found in books; it is the ability to apply information to specific work and performance. In this article, we will explore the definition of knowledge and its management, as well as delve into the importance of community management.

The Value of Knowledge

Knowledge is a fragmented resource that needs to be constantly upgraded. Its value and interests cannot be easily quantified. Peter Drucker, a renowned management consultant, predicted in 1965 that knowledge would become the most important factor of production in the 21st century. He believed that the most valuable asset in organizations would be knowledgeable employees and their productivity.

With the advent of the content creator economy and the improvements in infrastructure, individuals may spend less time in one organization but live longer lives. This highlights the need for knowledge management and the importance of investing in knowledge to accumulate compound interests.

Managing Knowledge like Portfolios

Andrew Hunt offers an interesting perspective on knowledge management. He suggests managing knowledge in the same way one manages portfolios. This approach involves regular investments in learning, always seeking to acquire new emerging techniques, and periodically evaluating and balancing one's investments. By adopting this strategy, individuals can ensure that their knowledge is constantly updated and relevant.

Types of Knowledge

Knowledge can be categorized into two main types: general and specialized. General knowledge refers to wisdom that cultivates moral human beings. It encompasses a wide range of historical facts, experiences, and statistics. On the other hand, specialized knowledge is information that can be proven effective in specific actions, such as work, study, analysis, and management.

Within these categories, knowledge can further be classified into four types: knowledge of facts (know what), knowledge of principles (know why), knowledge of skills (know how), and knowledge of humans (know who). Each type of knowledge plays a unique role in various aspects of life and work.

Tacit Knowledge

Tacit knowledge is an essential component of knowledge management. It can be further divided into two subcategories: skill-based tacit knowledge and cognitive tacit knowledge. Skill-based tacit knowledge refers to informal, hard-to-express skills, techniques, experiences, and know-how. On the other hand, cognitive tacit knowledge includes insights, intuition, perceptions, values, mental models, team rapport, understanding, and organizational culture.

Community Management and its Importance

Now, let's shift our focus to community management. Community refers to the connections between users. Community management involves intervening in these relationships, whether it is establishing new connections, maintaining existing ones, strengthening bonds, or reorganizing the community dynamics. Community can be classified based on two axes: dynamic vs. static and purpose vs. emotional attachment. It can also be divided based on interest, place, action, and practice.

The Importance of Community

The importance of community mirrors the significance of customer success. Just as knowledge is embedded in groups and environments, communities serve as a platform for learning and growth. In fact, in the B2B purchasing process, 84% of decisions begin with a referral, and 81% of individuals trust business advice from friends and family. This highlights the crucial role that communities play in influencing decisions and fostering collaboration.

Contributions and Challenges in Community Management

It's important to note that contributions to a community are not evenly distributed. The 1-9-90% rule states that 1% of community members are active contributors, 9% are occasional contributors, and 90% are passive consumers. Balancing and encouraging active participation is a key challenge in community management.

Additionally, community decline can occur due to various factors, including member stagnation, degradation of purpose or interests, and changes in the composition of community members over time. Effective community management involves addressing these challenges and ensuring the longevity and vibrancy of the community.

Actionable Advice

Before we conclude, here are three actionable pieces of advice for effective knowledge and community management:

• 1. Develop a habit of learning: Make regular investments in knowledge by dedicating time to learning and self-improvement. Stay updated with emerging techniques and trends to enhance your skills and expertise.

• 2. Foster active participation: Encourage community members to actively contribute and engage with one another. Implement strategies to balance contributions and facilitate collaboration among members.

• 3. Continuously evaluate and adapt: Regularly assess the value and relevance of your knowledge investments and community management efforts. Adapt to changes and address challenges to ensure the sustained growth and success of your community.

Conclusion

In conclusion, knowledge management is essential in today's dynamic world. By understanding the various types of knowledge, embracing the principles of knowledge management, and effectively managing communities, individuals and organizations can unlock the full potential of their knowledge assets. By investing in knowledge and community management, individuals can thrive in their professional and personal lives, adapt to changing environments, and foster collaboration and innovation.