This is what I use to show the distinction between information and knowledge. It is based on the definition of “knowledge” among some leading KM practitioners (see my earlier post on “A Proposed KM Framework”)
Explanation:
- Read the diagram as a Venn diagram e.g. “actionable information” is a subset of “explicit knowledge” (thanks to Diego Maranan).
- Not all tacit knowledge can be made explicit (“We know more than we can tell or write”) and so the upward arrow is often an incomplete process.
- I prefer the above operational definitions of “tacit knowledge” and “explicit knowledge.” I shy away from ontological and epistemological definitions because they tend to be too impractical and often deteriorate into useless debates.
Adapted from: Overview chapter I wrote in the book “Knowledge Management in Asia: Experiences and Lessons”. Tokyo: Asian Productivity Organization, 2008. The e-book is freely downloadable.
You can use the diagram for non-commercial purposes but please give CCLFI acknowledgement each time you show or use it. CCLFI is the KM, OL (=organizational learning) and KBD (=knowledge-based development) advocacy, training and consulting organization I belong to.
Cheers!
=>Back to main page of Apin Talisayon’s Weblog
=>Jump to Clickable Master Index
