A metaphor for knowledge management: explicit islands in a tacit sea

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the current thoughts on knowledge management (KM) and to develop a metaphor to combine these thoughts in a new way that effectively conveys the different types of knowledge and ways of managing it.Design/methodology/approachThe literature on the transition of data to knowledge is reviewed. A popular paradigm in KM states that data are integrated to create information and information is integrated to create knowledge. This paradigm is represented as a pyramid‐shaped hierarchy with knowledge at the top, information in the middle, and data on the bottom. Why this paradigm is a simplistic and limited view of knowledge and KM is discussed.FindingsThe “explicit islands in a tacit sea (EITS)” metaphor is explained and discussed in the context of knowledge and knowledge management (KM).Practical implicationsThe EITS metaphor more accurately and completely describes knowledge in the context of KM. The practical implications of this metaphor are its flexibility and transparency of the transitional actions that affect the evolution of data to knowledge.Originality/valueThe EITS metaphor is an evolution of the prevailing frameworks and removes the apparent limitations in earlier frameworks. The paper provides a paradigm shift in the discussion of KM.

The Liberation of Intellectual Capital Through the Natural Evolution of Knowledge Management Systems

“…The views expressed in that study, are supported by recent studies, as they relate to the growing interest in knowledge sharing practices (Davenport & Prusak (2000), Hislop (2005), and Richard C. Hicks (2007)). It is now commonplace, to find that both scholars and practitioners alike (Sveiby & Simons (2002)), are robustly discussing the benefits of knowledge transfer and knowledge sharing.…”

Using Quality Management Procedures in Education: Managing the Learner‐centered Educational Environment / Kokybės Valdymo Procedūros Taikymas Mokymui: Į Mokinį Orientuotos Mokymo Aplinkos Valdymas

“…As said by Hicks et al (2007), it is essential that explicit knowledge that has been captured and stored in computer environment may be shared by applications and users. Thus, education managers have to encourage knowledge distribution and knowledge review within and across all environment subsystems.…”

Editorial

“…The metaphor of 'explicit islands in a tacit sea' describes a multidimensional image of a number of key knowledge processes (Hicks et al, 2007). The islands, bridges between island, sea, shore and beaches are key elements of the image which relate to specific knowledge processes and concepts.…”