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Knowledge management
All of us are now faced with an ocean of data with no realistic prospect of being able to keep track of all that is emerging.
Let’s start with the conventional definitions of information as data given a context and knowledge representing processed and filtered information i.e. the combination of information and understanding.
We need modifications of knowledge management (KM) to supplement traditional models. The first stage of KM is knowledge acquisition. Although whole libraries can be digitized and made accessible for enquirers, there are uncomfortable issues regarding charging. We believe strongly that all information related to increasing knowledge should be open source. Unfortunately, for understandable business reasons, a number of scientific journals continue to require paid access.
This touches on an important related question
who owns and or controls our personal data?
Research Futures
There are fears, as all our health and activity data becomes digitized that data may be shared without our giving permission.
The flip-side is that if sharing data is over-restricted, then data essential for monitoring of system effectiveness, or for clinical research would be compromised. Complementary to this is a thought provoking 2019 scenarios study, commissioned by Elsevier publishing entitled ‘what will the world of research look like 10 years from now?’
Our view is that the meat of this report is really about data access to information as much as research directions.
Knowledge retrieval and dissemination
Collecting and storing knowledge (e.g. the use of databases) is one potential aspect of KM but for a small organisation deeply involved in KM, it makes sense to signpost known knowledge repositories rather than to try and create our own. We are committed to knowledge sharing and dissemination and to assist in knowledge creation especially through action research.
We like Nancy Dixon’s hierarchy of leveraging explicit knowledge, leveraging experiential knowledge and leveraging collective knowledge. The last mentioned resonates with our approach to extending knowledge through serious conversations.
Knowledge and wisdom
For EHFF wisdom is not merely knowledge deepened through experience but the interaction of the rational and creative faculties. Without getting too mired in intellectual ideas, it takes us back to tacit knowledge, the role of the unconscious and the synthesis of right and left brain functions.
We believe that the acquisition of wisdom is a task to be respected and nurtured.
Wisdom at any level, whether the native skills of forest dwellers or countrymen and women, the wisdom of children, elders in any community and the wisdom of (some) scholars or philosophers.
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad.
