KM Overview

Definitions

©   Fred Nickols  2000
Knowledge is defined in many ways. There is no universally accepted definition. Typically, we mean several things by it.

First, there is the notion of a body of knowledge, some compilation of facts, figures, principles, methods, techniques, etc. This is the "subject matter" or "commodity" view of knowledge.

Second, there is a view of knowledge as a person-centered awareness or grasp of this subject matter; in other words, knowledge as a state of being.

Third, there is the ability to apply or put into use this body of knowledge. Here, we typically refer to three different kinds of knowledge:

  1. Know-about, which refers to mastery of subject matter
  2. Know-how, which refers to the ability to put knowledge to good and productive use, and
  3. Know-why, which refers to the ability to discern which knowledge and skills apply

Note: The three kinds of knowledge listed above correspond to what some cognitive psychologists call declarative, procedural and strategic knowledge.

Commonplace views of knowledge suggest it takes two forms: explicit and implicit knowledge.

Explicit knowledge is the kind that can be articulated and that often has been codified and captured in subject matter that appears in books, manuals and the like.

Implicit knowledge is the kind of knowledge that is presumed to be possessed by highly-skilled individuals who are capable of performances that mystify others. These "master performers," as they are sometimes called, might or might not be able to articulate the knowledge underlying their unusually competent performances. Moreover, a skilled analyst might or might not be able to tease out of them the form and substance of their expertise.

There is a third kind of knowledge, the kind that can’t be articulated.   As Michael Polanyi said, "We know more than we can tell."  For example, many of us can ride a bicycle but none of us can articulate how we do it in ways that enable others to simply jump on a bicycle and ride off.  This third kind of knowledge, the kind that can't be articulated, is known as "tacit" knowledge. 

Whatever terminology is used, it seems safe to observe that there are two basic kinds of knowledge: (1) the kind that has been captured and codified, and (2) the kind that is held by people but that has not yet been captured or codified. This latter kind of knowledge may be thought of as lessons learned but not yet shared with or taught to others.

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Fred Nickols may be reached by e-mail at nickols@att.net.

 
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This page last updated on September 5, 2004