The who, what and why of knowledge mapping

Abstract

Examines the who, what and why of the knowledge mapping process used in the visual display of information in contemporary organizations. Knowledge mapping serves as the continuously evolving organizational memory, capturing and integrating strategic explicit knowledge within an organization and between an organization and its external environment. Knowledge map making is treated as a medium of communication over what is important and actionable information (knowledge) in organizational contexts. Effective knowledge maps take into account the who, what and why of the knowledge mapping process. Effective knowledge maps help identify intellectual capital, socialize new members, enhance organizational learning and help anticipate impending threats and/or opportunities.

A process‐based classification of knowledge maps and application examples

“…The advantages of visual representations for the field of knowledge management have long been recognized and discussed (Newbern and Dansereau, 1995, Sparrow, 1998, Vail, 1999, Wurman, 2001, Wexler, 2001, Eppler, 2002, Eppler, 2003 and include a better overview, a faster access and a more efficient and memorable representation and communication of knowledge assets (such as experts, practice documents, communities, patents, etc.). Visual representations have also proved particularly useful in eliciting Hodgkinson et al, 2004) or referencing implicit knowledge (Sparrow, 1998, Meyer, 1991 and thus can help to make knowledge more widely and easily available.…”

“…Visual representations have also proved particularly useful in eliciting Hodgkinson et al, 2004) or referencing implicit knowledge (Sparrow, 1998, Meyer, 1991 and thus can help to make knowledge more widely and easily available. The terms knowledge map (Sparrow, 1998, Eppler, 2002 or knowledge mapping (Wexler, 2001) have been used to designate a wide variety of approaches to organize and structure knowledge sources, knowledge application steps, insightful concepts, expert networks or communities of practice (Vail, 1999). These varieties of knowledge maps have so far never been systematically classified and compared in terms of their characteristics, unique features or application parameters (for a first tentative classification see Eppler, 2002).…”

The Role of Knowledge Mapping in Electronic Government

“…Most definitions circle around the idea of tools or processes that help users navigate the silos of artefacts that reside in an organisation, while determining meaningful relationships between knowledge domains [7], [14], [20]. For the purpose of this paper, knowledge map or k-map is understood as the visual display of knowledge and relationships using text, stories, graphics, models or numbers [4], [18], [19].…”

“…Some authors point to "knowledge mapping" as a feasible KM method to coordinate, simplify, highlight and navigate through complex webs of knowledge possessed by institutions [20]. Knowledge maps or k-maps point to knowledge but they do not contain it .…”

“…Knowledge mapping can offer many benefits including economic, cultural, structural and knowledge returns [20]. Indeed, empirical findings indicate that knowledge mapping has been successfully used in education to facilitate students' learning [1].…”