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A knowledge management system is simply put a system that allows for the transfer of knowledge throughout a group (or more commonly) an organization. It’s a very organic process requiring the input of all the members to share what knowledge they have obtained with others. When working properly it greatly reduces redundant work, keeps the flow of new ideas fresh allowing the business to adapt and evolve more readily, and in theory would lead to a more satisfied work environment since every person’s opinion matters.

As I have mentioned before I work at Walmart, and I can honestly say as a worker at Wal-Mart the fact that they have managed to achieve (and keep) such success in this world is absolutely mindboggling. When Sam Walton started the company and would encourage management listening to their employees for advice “for they are the true idea generators.” Sadly, with Sam’s death he took his view points with him. Walton promoted, whether they realized it or not, a knowledge management system. Since his death, the employees have been viewed as mindless incompetents who are completely incapable of performing their functions unless a member of management is there to instruct them. Never mind the fact that most of the time the managers in charge of doing this have never worked in the associates department and are completely incapable of understanding why an associate tells them why they do things a certain way. When Walton was alive there would be yearly “grass roots” meetings in which the associates would be given a chance to voice their opinions. These meetings have been abolished due to the negative feedback about the managers they receive on a yearly basis.

A knowledge management system is an incredible thing, but only when it is properly implemented. In the case of my employer, we have an example of how to prevent it from working.

Cheers,
Eric Summers