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Knowledge sharing

What is knowledge?

"The definition of knowledge is a matter of on-going debate among philosophers."

Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia, has many pages devoted to discussions about knowledge-related issues. The quote above is from the Wikipedia Knowledge page but we like the DIKW model:

• Data comes in the form of raw observations and measurements.
• Information answers simple "Who/What/Where/When/Why?" style questions. Information is created by analysing relationships and connections between the data.
• Knowledge answers the question "How?". Knowledge is created by using the information for action. Knowledge is a local practice or relationship that works. Knowledge is based on experience.
• Wisdom answers the questions "Why?" and "When?" as they relate to future actions. Wisdom is created through use of knowledge, through the communication of knowledge users, and through reflection. Wisdom takes care of the future, it takes implications and lagged effects into account.

Why should I share my knowledge?

How often do you ask yourself "Someone must have asked this question before?" - but you have no way of finding that person, or the answer to the question. There is already a wealth of shared knowledge in our industry - think magazine articles, NBS guidance, case studies in product literature - but very little of it is readily accessible on the internet.

Sharing knowledge is one of the characteristics of all true professions - but there's never been an easy way to share knowledge within the construction industry professions. ArchiMentor provides a framework for collaborative knowledge-sharing within a secure and anonymous environment.

Still not convinced, or maybe you think that sharing your carefully researched knowledge will help your competitors? Consider the concepts of 'public' and 'private' knowledge:

'Public' Knowledge

• Is this information/knowledge in the 'public domain', even though difficult to find and maybe subject to different interpretations?
• Could anyone have found the same information, or arrived at the same conclusion, given enough time and the same research sources?
• Is this knowledge the result of a simple error that anyone could make, but which would be extremely embarrassing to you if it happened again?
• If the answer is Yes to any of the above, then this is 'public' knowledge and can usefully be shared with your fellow professionals in a collaborative environment. After all, it is almost certain that they have similar knowledge to share with you.

'Private' Knowledge

• Does your knowledge derive from specific experience on an individual project, and the particular circumstances are unlikely to be repeated in the future?
• Does your knowledge derive from experience gathered over a long period of time with one particular building type?
• Does your knowledge derive from specific experience with a particular product or company?
• If the answer is Yes to any of the above, then this is 'private' knowledge and probably best kept to yourself.

What if I don't wish to contribute?

No problem. We anticipate that only a small proportion of our Members will actively contribute to the Knowledge pages.

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