KM: 10 Elements of Effective Knowledge Ecosystems

In their interesting blog post, 10 Tips for Creating a Knowledge Ecosystem in your Organization, a group of Wiley publication editors shared their insights on effective KM practices. As a result of seeking a “better understanding of how knowledge is constructed and how it is connected to prior learning”, they compiled a list of ten knowledge ecosystem elements.

Knowledge management is not an activity that exists in a vacuum. To be successful, any KM program needs to fit tightly with your organization’s culture, workflows and strategic priorities—and must always incorporate a “people” element.

Wiley editors from their various journals, including Journal of Organizational Behavior, Knowledge and Process Management, and the Human Resource Management Journal identified the elements of effective knowledge ecosystems as:

1. Allows for Flexibility
2. Embeds Learning in Everything
3. Sets Clear Open Innovation Objectives
4. Overcomes Selfishness by Using Selfishness
5. Actively Identifies Critical Knowledge
6. Fosters Authentic Leadership
7. Balances Your Open and Closed Activities
8. Creates a Competitive, Free Market-like Environment
9. Reviews the Quality of the Knowledge
10. Creates a Psychologically Safe Environment

You can read the details of these knowledge ecosystem tenets here: 10 Tips for Creating a Knowledge Ecosystem in your Organization. It’s worth noting that KM technology can support many of these tactics, especially if you think beyond the traditional ways of using a KM application. Check out the post and tell us what you think.

Read more posts on knowledge management initiatives and technology. You may also want to read Stan Garfield’s book on Proven Practices for Promoting a Knowledge Management Program.