“KM is the Magic Pill for Organizational Success!”
A conversation with a friend by Cecilia Wang.
Friend: “Hey, I know that you just finished your summer course, anything interesting to share?”
Me: “Absolutely! The Knowledge Management course was challenging, but at the same time I had so much fun! I never know that KM is the magic pill for organizational success.”
Friend: “Knowledge Management? I guess it means how the leader of an organization manages their staff performance to ensure the company’s success? Ugh…I hate management courses, you basically studied for all different kinds of management models with fancy names.”
Me: “Nope, you are totally wrong. KM is not only about leadership, knowledge management is an integrated approach that involves people, processes, technology, and governance. By implementing KM will ensure the all staff continuously makes effort to share valuable knowledge and help the organization keep its existing expertise.”
Friend: “Oh, it sounds like that’s what the HR department is doing for each of the organizations, keeping training records and adjusting company policies etc…nothing new to me.”
Me: “I am sorry, but you are wrong again! Have you ever heard about Gap Analysis and KM Action Plan? After taking this course, I am confident that I can make a KM plan for any organization and ensure their long term success.
Friend: “Wow, I love your confidence! I am interested to know more about Gap analysis and KM Action Plan.”
Me: “Well, the KM course was structured with different scenarios, in which I am the KM person to help improve the service quality of an academic library…Gap analysis helps me identify what is the current KM state and what needs to change to achieve the KM goals, and identifying the solution to save an organization. From establishing knowledge sharing culture, encouraging employees to participate in knowledge sharing activities to technology improvement and change of leadership style, I feel like I am making my “magic pill cocktail.” More importantly, making a KM action plan needs to identify KM obstacles and enablers, also implementing the KM strategy framework (Benefits-Tools-Organization-People-Processes). BTOPP is essential for an KM action plan, it is like presenting all the KM benefits of taking my magic pill solution…haha!
Friend: “Thanks for sharing, sounds interesting to me! Now I know that not all management courses are created equal.
Me: “Glad that you like it! Maybe you will consider hiring me to be a KM manager of your company in the future?”
Friend: “Sure I will! So for now please pray for me to become a CEO first.”
Me: “Wish you luck!”
—
Cecilia Wang – LIS 282 Summer 2020 Course Experience