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| | ==Definition== | | ==Definition== |
| | Knowledge is a mix of experiences, values, contextual information and expert insight for acquiring, understanding and interpreting information. Together with attitudes and skills, it forms a capacity for effective action. | | Knowledge is a mix of experiences, values, contextual information and expert insight for acquiring, understanding and interpreting information. Together with attitudes and skills, it forms a capacity for effective action. |
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| − | == New Description==
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| − | Knowledge is a mix of experiences, values, contextual information and expert insight for acquiring, understanding and interpreting information. Together with attitudes and skills, it forms a capacity for effective action.
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| | ==Description== | | ==Description== |
| − | Since the time of the earliest philosophers men and women have attempted to both understand and define the concept of knowledge. However, the following definition [5] can be offered as one that meets the needs of this report: | + | Since the time of the earliest philosophers men and women have attempted to both understand and define the concept of knowledge. Knowledge is often used to refer to a body of facts and principles accumulated by humankind over the course of time. However, no single definition of knowledge exists that has been generally agreed upon. |
| − | “Knowledge is a fluid mix of framed experience, values, contextual information, and expert insight that provides a framework for evaluating and incorporating new experiences and information. '''It originates in the minds of knowers. In organizations, it often becomes embedded not only in documents or repositories but also in organizational routines, processes, practices, and norms.”'''
| + | Table 1 shows some of the definitions: |
| − | It is very difficult, in a publication about the management of radioactive waste knowledge, to use specific terminology in an absolutely accurate and consistent way where the subject (the knowledge) can be framed in so many ways. Figure 1 shows how knowledge is created. | + | [[File:Definitions of knowledge.PNG|thumb|right|500px|Fig 1. Definitions of knowledge]] |
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| | + | For our purpose, the following definition will be used: |
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| | + | Knowledge is a mix of experiences, values, contextual information and expert insight for acquiring, understanding and interpreting information. Together with attitudes and skills, it forms a capacity for effective action. |
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| | + | It is important to recognize the distinction between knowledge, information and data. Raw data become information in the context of creation, information becomes knowledge in the context of use. Knowledge may eventually lead to wisdom. The figure below shows these relationships. |
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| | [[File:Information-knowledge.PNG|thumb|right|500px|Fig 1. The relationship of information and knowledge]] | | [[File:Information-knowledge.PNG|thumb|right|500px|Fig 1. The relationship of information and knowledge]] |
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| | + | Knowledge is considered an asset to be managed, it could be an input, it may be embedded in work methods (i.e. part of a process) or it can be a product (i.e. an output). Knowledge may often be time dependent or contextual, and must be maintained and renewed. |
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| − | Reference will be made in this report to ‘[[Contextual information|contextual information]]’.
| + | Knowledge is not static, it goes through different stages of a lifecycle (i.e. creating, using, sharing, preserving) |
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| − | '''The IAEA has compiled a glossary of knowledge management terms [7] that are particularly applicable in the nuclear sector. The following sections contain brief descriptions of the important terms, as used in this report. The aim here is achieve consistency within this report.'''
| + | In the concept of knowledge, different dimensions should be considered: types, holders, levels, usage, etc. |
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| | + | ===Types of knowledge=== |
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| | + | In knowledge management it is important to recognize three types of knowledge — explicit, implicit and tacit — as depicted in the diamond model in Fig. 2,. The top half of the diamond represents explicit knowledge — or conscious level knowledge — which has either already been codified or could be codified. The bottom half of the diamond represents unconscious knowledge — both implicit knowledge and tacit knowledge. The former can be codified if brought to the conscious level. However, the latter cannot be codified directly because it is at the deep-unconscious level. |
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| − | === Knowledge types ===
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| − | When reading this report, knowledge should be thought of as not just documented information but also undocumented personal insight, experience and skills. '''Thus, knowledge extends beyond pure information, because it includes the means for understanding and interpreting it in the way intended by the person who created it.'''
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| − | There are three different types of knowledge to which reference is often made: explicit, implicit and tacit. These are briefly discussed below — further information can be found in the NKM Glossary (see Ref. [7]) and related IAEA guidance [8].
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| − | ==== [[Explicit knowledge]] ====
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| − | ==== [[Implicit knowledge]] ====
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| − | ==== [[Tacit knowledge]] ====
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| − | '''Source:''' [[Knowledge management for radioactive waste management organisations]]
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| − | ==Description==
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| − | Before any meaningful discussion about [[Preservation|KP]] can be undertaken, it is important to first clarify what is meant by
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| − | ‘knowledge’. Many definitions of the term are used in literature, but they do not all agree. Fig 1 [2–7] provides
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| − | some of the more widely cited definitions found.
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| − | [[File:Definitions of knowledge.PNG|thumb|right|500px|Fig 1. Definitions of knowledge]]
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| − | In general, academics agree there are three different types of knowledge: explicit, implicit and tacit.
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| − | ===[[Explicit knowledge]]===
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| − | ===[[Implicit knowledge]] ===
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| − | === [[Tacit knowledge]] ===
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| − | ===Knowledge===
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| − | In this report, knowledge is defined to include [[Tacit knowledge|tacit]], [[Implicit knowledge|implicit]] and [[Explicit knowledge|explicit knowledge]], meaning it encompasses
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| − | everything from technical information laid down on paper or in electronic media to insights or capabilities and
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| − | skills embodied in people. Knowledge then clearly extends beyond just [[Information|information]]. It includes the expertise
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| − | required to turn raw data or information into understanding (i.e. the ability to find a meaningful interpretation of
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| − | relevant issues using information). Knowledge may be applied for such purposes as problem solving and learning;
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| − | forming judgments and opinions; decision making, forecasting and strategic planning; and generating feasible
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| − | options for action so that action can be taken to achieve desired results. Knowledge also protects intellectual assets
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| − | from decay, augments intelligence and provides increased flexibility.
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| − | '''Source:''' [[Comparative Analysis of Methods and Tools for Nuclear Knowledge Preservation]]
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| − | ==Description==
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| − | Knowledge can be challenging to define as it involves complex relationships between [[Data|data]] and [[Information|information]], and also in the methods and environment with which it is processed and applied by humans. The definition of knowledge used by the IAEA is as follows:
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| − | The [[Acquisition|acquiring]], understanding and interpreting of information. Knowledge is often used to refer to a body of facts and principles accumulated by humankind over the course of time.
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| − |
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| − | ===[[Explicit knowledge]]===
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| − | ===[[Implicit knowledge]]===
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| − | ===[[Tacit knowledge]]===
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| − | In this document, knowledge is considered to include everything from explicit knowledge, or technical information that is documented on paper or electronic media, to tacit knowledge, which includes insights, capabilities and skills embodied in people.
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| − | Knowledge is distinct from [[Data|data]] and [[Information|Information]] in the sense that data leads to information and information leads to knowledge. Knowledge includes the expertise required to turn raw information into an understanding of the relevant issues and provide a meaning to the information. In practical terms, knowledge confers a capacity for effective action.
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| − | '''Source''' [[Guide on nuclear knowledge management]]
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| − | ==Description==
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| − | Knowledge is distinct from [[Information|information]] as knowledge is information that has a
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| − | purpose or use. Data leads to information and information leads to knowledge. Knowledge
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| − | confers a capacity for effective action.
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| − |
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| − | Knowledge may be applied to such purposes as problem solving and [[Learning|learning]], forming
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| − | judgments and opinions; decision making, forecasting and strategic planning; generating
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| − | feasible options for action and taking actions to achieve desired results. Knowledge also
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| − | protects intellectual assets from decay, augments intelligence and provides increased
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| − | flexibility.
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| − |
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| − | ===[[Explicit knowledge]]===
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| − |
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| − | ===[[Implicit knowledge]]===
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| − |
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| − | ===[[Tacit knowledge]]===
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| − | '''Source: ''' [[Planning and Execution of Knowledge Management Assist Missions for Nuclear Organizations]]
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| − | ==Description==
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| − | Knowledge exists in different forms and at different levels in an organization.
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| − |
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| − | ===[[Tacit knowledge]]===
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| − |
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| − | ===[[Explicit knowledge]]===
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| − | It is important to recognize knowledge in organizations exists at an individual level, at a
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| − | group level, at a department level, and at an organizational level. Further, the level of
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| − | abstraction and form of knowledge may range from detailed facts, to organized information,
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| − | to interpretations and analysis, to conceptualizations, to theoretical models, or even wisdom.
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| − | Knowledge can be considered a resource (i.e. an input), it may be embedded in work methods
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| − | (i.e. part of a process) or it can be a product (i.e. an output). Knowledge may often be time
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| − | dependent or contextual, and must be maintained and renewed.
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| − | '''Source:''' [[Impact of Knowledge Management Practices on NPP Organizational Performance – Results of Global Survey]]
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| − | ==Description==
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| − | KM recognises two main categories or modes of knowledge:
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| − | * [[Explicit knowledge]]
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| − | * [[Tacit knowledge]]
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| − | '''Source:''' [[National approaches and strategies for Nuclear Knowledge Management]]
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| − |
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| − | ==Description==
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| − | There are three different types of knowledge: [[Explicit knowledge|explicit]], [[Implicit knowledge|implicit]] and [[Tacit knowledge|tacit knowledge]].
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| | [[File:ExplicitImplicitTacit.PNG|thumb|right|500px|Fig. 5. Explicit, implicit and tacit knowledge]] | | [[File:ExplicitImplicitTacit.PNG|thumb|right|500px|Fig. 5. Explicit, implicit and tacit knowledge]] |
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| − | ===[[Explicit knowledge]]=== | + | ===Knowledge holders === |
| − | ===[[Implicit knowledge]]===
| + | Knowledge exists in different forms and at different levels: individual (link), group, organization (link), sector (e.g. nuclear knowledge (link)). Although it originates in the minds of individuals, in organizations it often becomes embedded not only in documents or repositories but also in organizational routines, processes, practices, and norms. |
| − | ===[[Tacit knowledge]]===
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | These three types of knowledge — explicit, implicit and tacit — can be depicted using a
| + | |
| − | diamond model (see Fig. 5). The top half of the diamond represents explicit knowledge — or
| + | |
| − | conscious level knowledge — which has either already been codified or could be codified.
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| − | The bottom half of the diamond represents unconscious knowledge — both implicit
| + | |
| − | knowledge and tacit knowledge. The former can be codified if brought to the conscious level.
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| − | However, the latter cannot be codified directly because it is at the deep-unconscious level.
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| − | This model helps to demonstrate how important it is to coax departing workers to focus on the totality of their respective job experiences in order to move tacit knowledge to implicit
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| − | knowledge and implicit knowledge to explicit knowledge that can be codified. [2]
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| − | '''Source:''' [[Knowledge Management for Nuclear Industry Operating Organizations]]
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| − | | + | |
| − | ==Description==
| + | |
| − | * The term knowledge is often used to refer to bodies of facts and principles accumulated by humankind over the course of time. Explicit knowledge is knowledge that is contained in, for example, documents, drawings, calculations, designs, databases, procedures and manuals. Tacit knowledge is knowledge that is held in a person’s mind and has typically not been captured or transferred in any form (if it were, it would then become explicit knowledge).
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | * Knowledge is distinct from [[Information|information]]: [[Data|data]] yield information and knowledge is gained by [[Acquisition|acquiring]], understanding and interpreting information. Knowledge and information each consist of true statements, but knowledge serves a purpose: knowledge confers a capacity for effective action.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | * Knowledge for an organization is the acquiring, understanding and interpreting of information. Knowledge may be applied for such purposes as: problem solving and learning; forming judgements and opinions; decision making, forecasting and strategic planning; generating feasible options for action and taking actions to achieve desired results. Knowledge also protects intellectual assets from decay, augments intelligence and provides increased flexibility.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | '''Source: ''' [[Safety Glossary 2007 Edition]]
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| | == References == | | == References == |
Knowledge is a mix of experiences, values, contextual information and expert insight for acquiring, understanding and interpreting information. Together with attitudes and skills, it forms a capacity for effective action.
Since the time of the earliest philosophers men and women have attempted to both understand and define the concept of knowledge. Knowledge is often used to refer to a body of facts and principles accumulated by humankind over the course of time. However, no single definition of knowledge exists that has been generally agreed upon.
Table 1 shows some of the definitions:
Knowledge is a mix of experiences, values, contextual information and expert insight for acquiring, understanding and interpreting information. Together with attitudes and skills, it forms a capacity for effective action.
It is important to recognize the distinction between knowledge, information and data. Raw data become information in the context of creation, information becomes knowledge in the context of use. Knowledge may eventually lead to wisdom. The figure below shows these relationships.
Knowledge is considered an asset to be managed, it could be an input, it may be embedded in work methods (i.e. part of a process) or it can be a product (i.e. an output). Knowledge may often be time dependent or contextual, and must be maintained and renewed.
Knowledge is not static, it goes through different stages of a lifecycle (i.e. creating, using, sharing, preserving)
In the concept of knowledge, different dimensions should be considered: types, holders, levels, usage, etc.
In knowledge management it is important to recognize three types of knowledge — explicit, implicit and tacit — as depicted in the diamond model in Fig. 2,. The top half of the diamond represents explicit knowledge — or conscious level knowledge — which has either already been codified or could be codified. The bottom half of the diamond represents unconscious knowledge — both implicit knowledge and tacit knowledge. The former can be codified if brought to the conscious level. However, the latter cannot be codified directly because it is at the deep-unconscious level.
Knowledge exists in different forms and at different levels: individual (link), group, organization (link), sector (e.g. nuclear knowledge (link)). Although it originates in the minds of individuals, in organizations it often becomes embedded not only in documents or repositories but also in organizational routines, processes, practices, and norms.
[2] This discussion of the three different types of knowledge derives from a presentation developed by KURONEN T. of the
BIT Research Center, Helsinki University of Technology entitled “What is tacit knowledge in NPP maintenance and what are
the prerequisites for sharing it?” It was presented to the CSNI International Workshop, Ottawa, Canada, 3-5 October 2005.
[5] DAVENPORT, T.H., PRUSAK, L., Working Knowledge: How Organizations Manage What They Know, Harvard Business School Press, Boston, MA (2000).
[6] INTERNATION COUNCIL ON ARCHIVES, Radioactive Waste Information: Meeting Our Obligations to Future Generations with Regard to Safety of Waste Disposal Facilities, ICA Study 18, ICA, Paris (2006).
[7] INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY, Planning and Execution of Knowledge Management Assist missions for Nuclear Organizations, IAEA-TECDOC-1586, IAEA, Vienna (2008).
[8] INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY, Knowledge Management for Nuclear Industry Operating Organizations, IAEA-TECDOC-1510, IAEA, Vienna (2006).
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