Knowledge Management Strategy

To develop an effective knowledge management strategy, your organization needs a systematic strategy, not a general plan to "help employees share knowledge." APQC has the best practices, tools, and insight to guide you toward the best approach.

APQC's Knowledge Management Program Framework outlines the stages of knowledge management strategy implementation along with the actions necessary at each stage.

Good knowledge management strategy is based on three essential elements:

• Simplicity—Make it as easy as possible for employees. Superfluous tools and options discourage participation.
• Efficiency—Do not invest in a multitude of localized, small-scale tools. Save money and resources by creating a replicable, scalable system that will work for most of the organization.
• Standardization—An enterprise approach increases the probability of standardization and knowledge reuse. It allows everyone to focus on content and connectivity, rather than the KM approach itself.

Make clear goals for your knowledge management strategy and measure progress along the way. APQC recommends starting with a detailed business case that outlines your objectives and the resources you will need. Focus on building a holistic, enterprise-wide KM program. You may want to pilot certain tools and practices in targeted areas of the business, but do this as part of a larger plan. On average, organizations with comprehensive programs derive significantly greater value from their efforts.   

Refer to APQC's Knowledge Management Strategy Implementation Guide^SM for additional support in developing a knowledge management strategy that will work for your business. Or use APQC's KM Capability Assessment Tool to evaluate the current status of your efforts and find out what you can do to reach the next level of maturity.

Continue learning about KM in APQC's Knowledge Base or by following the links below:

• Knowledge Management Measurement
• Knowledge Retention and Transfer
• Improving the Flow of Content and Knowledge
• How to Move Forward