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Org KM - Brainstorming page
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Hi all. This is a list to brain storm phrases if you aren't sure if they should go on the main list.
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So if you don't know where a term is from, what it means, how to define it or related concepts but think it should be discussed, then add it here and we can work through them together.
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unclear definitions
seems inconsistent with
labelling choices
does this mean parent
terms?
No, these are the links to other terms. It helps create the graph database.
As KM is the central term, any terms that link to it are first order in the graph.
General suggestions:
- provide clear definitions for pre-defined values in each category (e.g.: "category")
- define what "like terms" column means, how to use it
- define how to use "Tech Category" column (if only for "Class" = "Technology" or if for all
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IDTermCategoryDefinitionNotesClassTech CategoryTerm sourceLike TermsFormal meaningMeaning sourceSizeComments from review
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00017C's model for KM effectivenessModel
Paul S. Myers 2014 7C’s normative model of knowledge management effectiveness
https://realkm.com/2024/12/26/the-7cs-knowledge-management-km-models-part-1-paul-s-myers-model-of-km-effectiveness/1
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00027C's model of knowledge creationModelHarri Oinas-Kukkonen’s 2004 7C’s model for organizational knowledge creation and management
https://realkm.com/2025/01/01/the-7cs-knowledge-management-km-models-part-2-harri-oinas-kukkonens-model-for-organizational-knowledge-creation-management/
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0003Action LevelOrganizational StructuresLevel in the basic model of knowledge management, referring to the business processes of an organization. Value creation happens by means of applying of knowledge in concrete actions.ProcessPraxishandbuch Wissensmanagement, Graz, 20071
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0004Activity streams and feedsToolPush notifications to keep users aware of new knowledge.TechnologyMid TechAPQC - Delivering Knowledge at the Teachable Moment 2025Communication,Strategy1- could this belong to the technology category?
- would "push notifications" cover all types of notifications? eg does it include email notifications?
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0005Adaptive agentsComplexity TheoryIndependent entities within a system that learn and adjust their behaviour based on experience and interactions.https://odi.org/en/publications/exploring-the-science-of-complexity-ideas-and-implications-for-development-and-humanitarian-efforts/1
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0006After Action ReviewMethodA debriefing process following an event or activity by those
involved with, or interested in, that event and whose purpose
is to learn from it. Often used as a ‘hot debrief', an AAR
involves describing what was intended to happen, what was
actually accomplished, what mistakes were made and how
participation in similar events might be improved in the future.
Used in Military, Emergency Services, Government and other environments and industries, especially where exercises are run to improve response capability.Processhttps://knowledge.aidr.org.au/resources/handbook-lessons-management/Lessons Management,Tacit Knowledge1- For "Tech Category", it would be "Low Tech". But not sure if we can use the Tech Category column when the Class is not "Technology"
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0007AgileApproachAlso known as Agile Software Development. Agile describes a way of working, that was originally defined by the Manifesto for Agile Software Development. Modern software development frameworks encompass the values and principles of this customer-centric, value-driven approach to deliver better, more valuable solutions, ever more efficiently than older ways of working that dominated in the last century.While The Agile Manifesto was picked up later by both Project Management and Knowledge Management, the actual Agile approaches such as Scrum, Kanban, etc have less immediate re-use.ProcessMid Techhttps://www.agilebusiness.org/business-agility/what-is-agile.htmlAgile1- Changed class from "Technology" to "Process"
- Suggest using "Agile Project Management", not "Agile Software Development"
- This does not "belong" to KM. It's a PM methodology that has a strong focus on adaptability and continuous improvement, which is related to KM. But we can't appropriate this for a KM taxonomy
- There is some transferability with PM, KM has borrowed some elements from it, how do we define these?
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0008Agile SquadsOrganizational StructuresCross-functional teams that work iteratively to deliver value.How does agility impact knowledge sharing and KM processes?ProcessAgile1Is this more suited to "people"?
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0009AIToolThe theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and translation between languages.TechnologyHigh Techhttps://www.oed.com/dictionary/artificial-intelligence_n?tl=trueIT,Knowledge Management2Suggested IT as a parent/like term rather than "knowledge management" or "theory"
Changed category to tool, to be consistent with other AI-related terms further down
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0010AI to identify and surface expertiseToolAI applications to locate internal experts based on content and activities.TechnologyHigh TechAPQC 2025 2025 KM Priorities and Trends Survey ReportAI1Why have you focused specifically on these 3 applications of AI?
No reason just part of the collection from contributors.
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0011AI to recommend contentToolAI used to suggest relevant knowledge assets to users.TechnologyHigh TechAPQC 2025 2025 KM Priorities and Trends Survey ReportAI1as above
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0012AI-enabled automationToolTagging, archiving, and surfacing content using intelligent systems.TechnologyHigh TechAPQC - Delivering Knowledge at the Teachable Moment 2025AI1as above
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0013AKI modelModelDavid Williams’ 2014 action-knowledge-information (AKI) model (a highly coherent alternative to the DIKW model)https://realkm.com/2016/01/07/a-model-for-understanding-knowledge-systems/DIKW1
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0014Anecdote CirclesMethodA group facilitation technique used to surface tacit knowledge through storytelling.ProcessLow Tech- KM Methods Cards, Patrick Lambe
- Anecdote Circles on KS Toolkit
Tacit Knowledge,Communication,Knowledge Transfer, Storytelling1Can this be mapped to related terms?
Can the aim of this technique be captured, eg what is the purpose of
this activity? Is a subcategory needed?
Suggested parent term "micro-learning" or "storytelling".
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0015Anti-expertiseBehaviour"Anti-expertise" is a condition that often affects those with considerable expertise and experience. It arises from cognitive heuristics used to develop expertise, which, over time, can calcify into selective blindness. This leads to reaching conclusions before fully understanding the current situation, including satisficing or potentially overlooking key differences and nuances.Also related to the Expert Blind Spot, Einstellung Effect (Mental Set), the Confidence Trap and various cognitive biases including: over-confidence, anchoring, confirmation and Functional Fixedness.Peoplehttps://www.deltaknowledge.net/2025/04/anti-expertise.htmlTacit Knowledge1suggested like term - "communication"
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0016Appreciative InquiryMethodA strengths-based, collaborative approach to change that focuses on identifying and building upon what is already working well, rather than focusing on problemsDeveloped to maturity by David Cooperrider of Case
Western Reserve University
Processhttps://organizingengagement.org/models/appreciative-inquiry/
- Appreciative Inquiry on KS Toolkit
Learning,Positive1changed to "method"
link to KS toolkit added
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0017ApprenticingApproachApprenticeship is a system for training a new generation of practitioners of a trade or profession with on-the-job training and often some accompanying study (classroom work and reading).Apprenticing and mentoring are seen as key KM tools for the transfer of tacit knowledge from masters and journeymen through demonstration, imitation and correction, supplemented by formal learning of supporting theory and practice.Processhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ApprenticeshipLearning, Knowledge Transfer, Knowledge Retention1suggested "knowledge retention" and "knowledge transfer" as like terms
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0018ApproachCategoryKnowledge Management2- not clear what this is. Placeholder? If so, remove
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0019AttractorsComplexity TheoryStable states or patterns towards which a system tends to evolve over time.https://odi.org/en/publications/exploring-the-science-of-complexity-ideas-and-implications-for-development-and-humanitarian-efforts/1
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0020AutoclassificationToolAutomatically tagging and categorising content for easier retrieval.TechnologyAPQC 2025 2025 KM Priorities and Trends Survey ReportCategorization1
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0021Average Time to CompetencyMetricAverage Time to Competency measures the time taken for a new employee or an employee transitioning to a new role to reach a competent level of performance.This is a training metric which is added to by Knowledge Managers by not just measuring how quickly training is completed, but how quickly the competency of the employee is expert by the customer. While many training definitions refer to both skills and development, in practice most training departments only measure skill acquisition or courses completed.Governancehttps://kpi.insightworthy.com/average-time-to-competencyKPI1
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0022BarCamp/UnconferenceMethodParticipant-driven meetings emphasizing open discussions and presentations.ProcessStan Garfield - 100 KM Specialties1
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0023Before Action ReviewMethodA Before Action Review (BAR) is a tool used by teams to assess current knowledge and experience before starting a new project or task. It helps teams create a shared vision of success and improve their collective thinking to achieve better results.The BAR typically involves answering a set of questions that focus on:
1. Intended results and success measures
2. Anticipated challenges
3. Lessons learned from previous experiences
4. Actions needed to ensure success
Processhttps://emergentlearning.org/before-and-after-action-reviews/Lessons Management1
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0024Boosting KM participation or engagementApproachActivities and strategies to increase use of KM practices.PeopleAPQC 2025 2025 KM Priorities and Trends Survey Report1
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0025Business IntelligenceToolData analysis technologies and practices used to support business decision-making.TechnologyKnowledge Management: An Integrated Approach. Ashok JashaparaCategorization,Communication,Analysis,Decision Making1
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0026Card SortingMethodA user experience technique for organizing information into logical groups.ProcessA guide from Donna Spencer and Todd Warfel can be
found at Boxes and Arrows (2004)
Mapping1
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0027Case based reasoningMethodCase-based reasoning (CBR) is a problem-solving approach that involves using past solutions to similar problems to address new challenges.It relies on the premise that the more similar two problems are, the more likely their solutions will be analogous. CBR typically involves four steps: retrieving a relevant past case, reusing its solution, revising it to fit the new context, and retaining the new solution for future use.ProcessWorking Knowledge, Davenport & Prusak1
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0028Catalytic ProbeComplexity TheoryAlso known as Safe-Fail probes, are key strategies for dealing with a complex system by creating a range of safe-fail experiments or probes that will allow the nature of emergent possibilities to become more visible.Snowden’s ‘catalytic probe’, is a subtle intervention to test responses and detect or intuit potential patterns.ProcessLow Techhttps://thecynefin.co/safe-fail-probes/?srsltid=AfmBOopSZ9dV7cIJ6zWJufRWh2Y7Cwao8pJWNBRbzu300LkY11kyG2iuCo-evolution,Agile,Phase space,Edge of Chaos,Emergence,Cynefin1
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0029Center of ExcellenceApproachA team or unit that sets standards and promotes best practices in a domain.GovernanceKnowledge Hub,WikiMetric,Knowledge Hub,Lessons Management1
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0030Central ControlApproachWho chooses what and when knowledge is delivered to a user or organisation.GovernanceAPQC - Delivering Knowledge at the Teachable Moment 20251
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0031Change ManagementRelated DisciplineStructured approach to transitioning individuals, teams, and organisations to a desired future state.ProcessKM Methods Cards, Patrick Lambe1
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0032Change managementSkillsetCore skill needed to implement and sustain KM initiatives.ProcessAPQC 2025 2025 KM Priorities and Trends Survey Report1
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0033Chat-botToolAn AI-powered interface that provides automated responses to user queries.Chatbots use AI and machine learning to respond to employee questions and requests for information. Using chatbots, employees do not need to dig through a CMS, document system, or chat history. They know where to go to get the information they need and can use natural language questions in the process. The chatbot will surface the best information in the knowledge base wherever that information may be located.Technologyhttps://www.bmc.com/blogs/introduction-to-knowledge-management/query-bot,FAQ1
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0034Chatbots and personal intelligent assistantsToolAutomation tools to support users in finding and using knowledge.TechnologyAPQC 2025 2025 KM Priorities and Trends Survey ReportGenerative AI1
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0035ChecklistProcess ManagementUsing structured lists to ensure all steps or considerations are addressed.ProcessStan Garfield - 100 KM Specialties1
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0036Chief Knowledge OfficerKnowledge RoleThe Chief Knowledge Officer (CKO) is a role individually defined by an organization. It is responsible for the development of processas and the holistic management of knowledge with organizational relevancy. This role can comprise of the following responsibilities: (1) Detection and identification of challenges related to communication and knowledge sharing (2) Development and refinement of the knowledge strategy of the organization (3) representation of the knowledge perspective in the board of management (4) Conception and refinement of knowledge infrastructures (e.g., centres of competence, information systems) (5) Initialization and coordination of all knowledge initiatives within the organization (6) Development and refinement of knowledge management processes PeopleRedaktion des D-A-CH WM-Glossars1
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0037Co-evolutionComplexity TheoryMutual and concurrent evolution of agents and their environment within a system.https://odi.org/en/publications/exploring-the-science-of-complexity-ideas-and-implications-for-development-and-humanitarian-efforts/1
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0038Codification StrategyKnowledge Sharing MechanismCapturing and documenting experiential knowledge for reuse.GovernanceIllustrated Guide to KM, Wissensmanagement Forum 20031
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0039Cognitive biasesCognitive ScienceCognitive biases are systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment. They are unconscious and automatic errors in thinking that occur when people attempt to process and interpret information in their environment.This is particularly important when considering cognitive limitations of knowledge tools and the psycho-social impact of information overload.People1
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0040Cognitive ComputingEmerging TechnologySimulating human thought processes in computerized models.Stan Garfield - 100 KM SpecialtiesAI1
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0041Cognitive OffloadingKnowledge RiskCognitive offloading involves using external tools to reduce the cognitive load on an individual’s working memory. While this can freeup cognitive resources, it may also lead to a decline in cognitive engagement and skilldevelopment.The pervasive availability of AI tools, which offer quick solutions and ready-made information, can discourage users from engaging in the cognitive processes essentialfor critical thinking. https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4698/15/1/6Tacit Knowledge,AI1
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0042Cognitive OutsourcingKnowledge RiskThe act of outsourcing cognitive work to another person, business or machine. Notably, researches commonly use this term in association with the negative effects of Cognitive Offloading.
Mastering delegation to artificial intelligence creative tools: T...: Ingenta Connect
Tacit Knowledge,AI1
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0043Collective intelligenceCognitive ScienceShared or group intelligence (GI) that emerges from the collaboration, collective efforts, and competition of many individuals and appears in consensus decision making.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collective_intelligence1
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0044Collective IntelligenceCollective IntelligenceShared intelligence emerging from collaboration and competition among individuals.Stan Garfield - 100 KM Specialties1
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0045Common Good KMVision/AspirationKM practices that prioritize social responsibility and ethical considerations.What does Common Good KM look like in practice?Positive1
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0046Common GroundCommunication & CultureShared understanding and agreement on key concepts and terms.How do we build common ground across diverse teams and cultures?Positive1
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0047Communities of Interest (CoIs)Knowledge Sharing MechanismInformal networks of people with shared interests but not necessarily common practice.Networks1
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0048Communities of Practice (CoPs)Knowledge Sharing MechanismGroups that support informal, responsive sharing of expertise.APQC - Delivering Knowledge at the Teachable Moment 2025Learning1
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0049Communities of Practice (CoPs)Knowledge Sharing MechanismGroups of people who share a common interest and collaborate to share knowledge.How can we foster and support CoPs within the organization?Etienne Wengerʼs book
Communities of Practice: Learning, Meaning, and Identity (CUP 1998)
Networks1
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0050Community and Collaboration LeaderKnowledge RoleDesigning and supporting communities of practice, enabling peer collaboration.Core Competencies for Knowledge Professionals1
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0051Competence MappingMethodIdentifying and visualising the skills and expertise within an organisation.ProcessKM Methods Cards, Patrick LambeMapping,Tacit Knowledge1
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0052Competitive IntelligenceResearchGathering and analyzing information about competitors for strategic advantage.Stan Garfield - 100 KM Specialties1
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0053Complex adaptive systemsComplexity TheorySystems composed of interacting, adaptive agents whose behaviour is dynamic and evolves over time.https://odi.org/en/publications/exploring-the-science-of-complexity-ideas-and-implications-for-development-and-humanitarian-efforts/1
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0054Complexity TheoryFoundational ConceptAn approach that studies how relationships between parts give rise to collective behaviours. Complexity science can enable those thinking about and working on wicked problems to better understand and adapt to the complexities of the real world.https://odi.org/en/publications/exploring-the-science-of-complexity-ideas-and-implications-for-development-and-humanitarian-efforts/Philosophy,Theory,Cynefin,Sensemaking,Knowledge Management2
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0055Concept ManagementApproach1
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0056Concept ManagementFoundational ConceptSystematic handling and evolution of key ideas and themes within a knowledge domain.1
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Conservation of resources (COR)
TheoryThis theory contributes by framing knowledge as a finite resource that individuals might strive to conserve, manifesting knowledge hiding tendencies.https://realkm.com/go/conservation-of-resources-theory/1
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0058ContextualityComplexity TheoryThe principle that system behaviour depends on the specific context, meaning solutions are rarely universally applicable.https://odi.org/en/publications/exploring-the-science-of-complexity-ideas-and-implications-for-development-and-humanitarian-efforts/1
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0059Continuous ImprovementApproachAn ongoing effort to enhance processes, services, or knowledge assets incrementally.ProcessKnowledge Management: An Integrated Approach. Ashok JashaparaLearning1
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0060Continuous ImprovementQualityAn ongoing effort to enhance processes, services, or knowledge assets incrementally.Deming - Out of CrisisPositive1
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0061Continuous learningCultureEnabling learning as a continuous process aligned with KM.ProcessAPQC 2025 2025 KM Priorities and Trends Survey ReportLearning,Positive1
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0062Core CompetenciesFoundational ConceptKey organisational capabilities formed from collective expertise.Illustrated Guide to KM, Wissensmanagement Forum 2003Learning,Tacit Knowledge1
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0063Core ExpertiseFoundational ConceptSpecialised knowledge critical to an organisation's competitive advantage.1
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0064Core ExpertiseKnowledge DomainLearning1
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0065Critical Decision MethodMethodInterview technique to elicit decision-making strategies from experts.ProcessKM Methods Cards, Patrick LambePositive1
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0066Critical Decision MethodModelInterview technique to elicit decision-making strategies from experts.ProcessGary Klein - Streetlights & Shadows1
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0067Critical KnowledgeFoundational ConceptKnowledge essential for delivering outcomes or managing risk.1
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0068Critical KnowledgeKnowledge Domain1
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0069CrowdsourcingCollective IntelligenceObtaining input or services from a large group of people, typically via the internet.Stan Garfield - 100 KM SpecialtiesLearning1
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0070Cultural ArchetypesCultureRecurring patterns of values and behaviours within an organisation.Archetype1
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0071Cultural ArchetypesMethodProcessKM Methods Cards, Patrick Lambe1
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0072CultureCultureIn its broadest sense, culture can be seen as the totality of the unique spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional aspects that characterize a society or social group. This includes not only art and literature, but also ways of life, basic human rights, value systems, traditions and beliefs, traditions and beliefs.PeopleWeltkonferenz über Kulturpolitik. Schlussbericht der von der UNESCO vom 26. Juli bis 6. August 1982 in Mexiko-Stadt veranstalteten internationalen Konferenz. Hrsg. von der Deutschen UNESCO-Kommission. München: K. G. Saur 19831
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0073Culture and Communication FacilitatorKnowledge RoleFostering trust, psychological safety, and knowledge sharing behaviours.Core Competencies for Knowledge ProfessionalsCulture1
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0074Customer Experience Design (CX)MethodDesigning interactions to optimise customer satisfaction and engagement.ProcessDesign1
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0075Customer Experience Design (CX)Related DisciplineDesigning interactions to optimise customer satisfaction and engagement.1
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0076Customer IntelligenceResearchCollecting and analyzing data about customers to inform business decisions.Stan Garfield - 100 KM Specialties1
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0077Customer SuccessDisciplineA related discipline to KM using knowledge to ensure a company's products, services or solutions result in successful outcomes for the client including and beyond the initial sale.Positive, Customer Support,Knowledge Hub1
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0078Customer SuccessRelated DisciplineProactive management of customer outcomes to ensure satisfaction and retention.1
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0079Cutting EdgeInnovation or TrendBeing at the forefront of KM practices and technologies.What are the emerging trends in KM that we should be aware of?1
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0080CynefinFrameworkA sensemaking framework to aid decision-making in different types of contexts.Mapping,Theory,Knowledge Management2
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0081CynefinMethodThe process of applying the Cynefin framework in strategic decision makingProcessCognitive EdgeMapping,Theory1
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0082Data LakesData ManagementStorage repositories holding vast amounts of raw data in native formats.Stan Garfield - 100 KM SpecialtiesStorage,Analysis,System1
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0083Data WarehousesData ManagementCentral repositories for integrated data from multiple sources.Stan Garfield - 100 KM SpecialtiesStorage,Analysis,System1
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0084Decision GamesMethodProcessLearning1
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0085Decision GamesDecision MakingSimulated scenarios to explore and develop decision-making skills.Naturalistic Decision Making1
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0086Decision SupportSystemTools and processes that help users make informed decisions in complex environments.1
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0087Decision SupportToolTechnologyMid TechKM Methods Cards, Patrick Lambe1
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0088Declarative KnowledgeKnowledge TypeKnow-what; factual knowledge about concepts, objects, or events.Illustrated Guide to KM, Wissensmanagement Forum 20031
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0089Deep ExpertiseKnowledge TypeSpecialist, experience based expertise in a particular field or skillset.Knowledge Management: An Integrated Approach. Ashok JashaparaLearning,Expertise,Tacit Knowledge1
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0090DelaysComplexity TheoryTime lags between actions and their visible effects in a system, which can obscure causal relationships.https://odi.org/en/publications/exploring-the-science-of-complexity-ideas-and-implications-for-development-and-humanitarian-efforts/1
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0091Design ThinkingApproachDesign thinking is a mindset and approach to problem-solving and innovation anchored around human-centered design.While it can be traced back centuries—and perhaps even longer—it gained traction in the modern business world after Tim Brown, CEO and president of design company IDEO, published an article about it in the Harvard Business Review.https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/what-is-design-thinkingHuman-centred design,Design1
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0092Digital WorkplaceDigital PlatformIntegrating digital tools and environments to support work activities.Stan Garfield - 100 KM Specialties1