When a colleague used the word "knowledgement" as a shorthand expression, it struck me as a very clever coinage, and with his permission I sing the praises of the usage - given the difficulty we have had for years with the phrase "knowledge management" in at least two ways: First, we all interpret it slightly differently based on the circumstances at hand, and a precise definition has eluded us. Second, it has been said that since knowledge cannot be managed, the phrase is illogical.
The Urban Dictionary defines knowledgement as understanding or insight, and there is a body of writing featuring "manage knowledgement" (see as an example http://www.workliteracy.com/knowledge-management-and-manage-knowledgement or google the phrase). I perceive a different potential definition:
"Knowledgement" avoids the conundrum of "can knowledge be managed?" by not pretending there is any management afoot. Instead, the echo of "acknowledgement" suggests its meaning could simply be "a recognition of the need for dealing appropriately with knowledge". To me, that plain definition reflects a pragmatic and realistic approach to the challenges associated with getting, storing, finding, and using knowledge - on the floor. No rarefied theories - just a reference to a straightforward and shared mindset: We are all responsible for treating knowledge correctly in the organizations we serve. Leaders are responsible for making that activity a priority, and all team members are responsible for the undertakings to support it.
In the past, I have used the description "good information husbandry" … but "good knowledgement" is a tad sleeker, don't you think?
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