Complete Knowledge Maps to Identify Knowledge Gaps and Needs

APQC has long advocated knowledge mapping as an important exercise that should be performed early in an organization's KM journey and then repeated periodically as KM capabilities and approaches mature. This article describes the benefits of creating knowledge maps for KM focus areas and how this activity promotes the overall success and sustainability of a KM program. For example, knowledge mapping is positively correlated with standardization of KM processes, embedding KM into core business processes and domains, and on-demand availability of KM methods and tools. In addition, organizations that map their knowledge are significantly more likely to identify and address barriers to knowledge sharing and expand accountability for KM beyond the KM core team.