Our Thoughts, Your World: A KM Blog

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the hot topic of 2023.  However, it has been in effect for many years--just not on this large of a scale.  AI has clearly had a significant impact on various aspects of society, including knowledge management and global citizenship.  The question now becomes, how do we adapt to this impact, and how do we continue to foster creativity and uniqueness with AI at the helm? 1. Knowledge Management: AI has revolutionized KM by enabling organizations to capture, store, organize, and retrieve vast amounts of information efficiently. This includes but is not limited to: Knowledge Discovery: AI technologies, such as machine learning and natural language processing, can analyze large datasets and extract valuable insights, patterns, and trends. Knowledge Extraction and Representation: AI can automatically extract information from unstructured data sources like documents, emails, and social media posts. It can also transform this data into structured k...

Determining the value of anything can be difficult—especially when you can’t see it or measure it.  That is why it is so complex to put a value on knowledge.  Does it have a price, and if so, what is a reasonable, yet fair price?  Does it need to have a price, or is knowledge a God-given right like the pursuit of happiness?  The monetary value should not be the end-all-be-all.  We need to be measuring knowledge based on its ethical value. When we think of the ethical value of knowledge, we should be thinking about its degree of importance in relation to the betterment of our individual lives and our global society.  Core topics such as integrity, honesty, fidelity, charity, responsibility, and self-discipline are measured based on ethical values (Bucknam, 2020).  Why can't we do the same with knowledge?  An individual's access to knowledge should not depend on their bank account... is someone entitled to more knowledge just because they can afford...

One of the opportunities available to global citizens with our ever-increasing interconnectivity, is access to a wider range of informal knowledge networks. These networks (you may know them better as social networks or communities of practice) hold significant value in the realm of knowledge management. They are formed naturally among individuals who share common interests, expertise, or work-related goals, and they play a crucial role in facilitating the flow of knowledge within cultures, within countries, and within organizations.   Here are some key reasons why informal knowledge networks are so awesome and provide amazing opportunities to a global citizen: Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration: Informal knowledge networks provide a platform for individuals to share their expertise, experiences, and insights with others. Through informal interactions, such as conversations, discussions, or online forums, individuals can exchange tacit knowledge, practical know-how, and best pract...

I appreciate Dan's thoughts on relationships. I agree with him that relationships play a crucial role in knowledge management, as they are the foundation for effective collaboration, sharing of information, and building a learning culture within groups and organizations. Whether it is relationships between individuals, groups, teams, or even between organizations, the quality of these relationships greatly influences the flow and utilization of knowledge. In the context of knowledge management, relationships foster the creation, acquisition, and dissemination of knowledge. When considering this at a global level where there are differences in language, experience, opportunity, and culture, it's important to keep in mind the key aspects of relationships in knowledge management: 1. Collaboration and Communication: Relationships are essential for effective collaboration and communication within and across groups. When individuals have positive relationships, they are more likely t...

When I think of Knowledge Management (KM), I immediately think of the term relationship. Re•la•tion•ship (n): the way in which two or more concepts, objects, or people are connected, or the state of being connected (Oxford Languages). Without relationships, there are no communities; without no communities, there is no way to share knowledge. So, what are the elements we need in order to create healthy, meaningful relationships? According to Rancourt, there are fifteen key components (2019): 1. Accommodation 2. Appreciation 3. Commitment 4. Communication 5. Discord 6. Empathy 7. Expectations 8. Forgiveness 9. Honesty 10. Kindness 11. Predictability 12. Respect 13. Space 14. Trustworthiness 15. Values Honest communication and commitment based on respect and kindness … that’s my definition of a relationship. Now let’s apply this on a global level. A global citizen must have honest communication with their fellow citizens. They must be committed to the cause and ideology of creating ...

In today's interconnected world, knowledge management (KM) plays a pivotal role in driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and facilitating learning. As the boundaries between countries and cultures blur, it is the responsibility of global citizens to actively participate in knowledge sharing and bridge the gaps that exist. In this blog, we hope to introduce the vital role of global citizens in KM and discuss how a relationship-based approach can effectively build bridges in knowledge gaps. Global citizens are individuals who recognize their interconnectedness with the world and actively engage in addressing global challenges. They possess a sense of responsibility and are committed to making positive contributions to society.  Knowledge management, on the other hand, refers to the systematic process of capturing, organizing, and sharing knowledge to advance culture, enhance effectiveness and drive innovation. In the context of global citizenship, KM expands beyond individua...