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TopIntroduction
Much has been written on the knowledge pyramid, usually characterized as the data, information, knowledge, wisdom, DIKW, hierarchy and its use in knowledge management, KM. This paper continues this discussion but takes a different position. It is posited that the knowledge pyramid is an artifact of KM processes and not an artifact of reality. This is a different position in that several authors (Ackoff, Sharma, Bates, Fricke) consider the pyramid as a natural expression of the relationships between DIKW and the logical progression for the generation of IKW (Ackoff, 1989; Bates, 2005; Miller, 1996; Sharma, 2004). This paper proposes that the natural relationship between DIKW is actually an inverted pyramid, and that the knowledge pyramid is an artificially constructed artifact representing the relationship between DIKW in an organizational KM context.
Additionally, while the current knowledge pyramid expresses only the hierarchical relationships between DIKW, this paper shows that the revised knowledge pyramid can also represent KM-related process flow relationships. This is a conceptual paper that hopes to promote discussion and insight by researchers into the nature of KM and its relationship to the overall processes of learning. Another goal of this paper is to create a model that illustrates the natural integration of KM and Business Intelligence, BI, and/or the other “intelligences” such as Customer Intelligence, CI. It is also expected that this discussion will generate a better understanding of KM processes so that better KM systems, KMS, can be designed to better fit the needs of KM users. Finally, this paper will state definitions of terms important to KM, including definitions of data, information, knowledge, and intelligence. It is hoped that these can be accepted as working, consensus definitions, but it is recognized that these terms are philosophical in nature and can be debated as long as we want. This debate is embraced, but not encouraged, as I agree with Keen and Tan (2007) who believe that while it is important to understand KM terms, it is unproductive for researchers to get focused on trying to precisely define these terms at the expense of furthering KM research. The KM discipline needs to allow the debate but also needs to unite into a consensus set of working definitions. It is hoped this paper will spur this consensus.
Methodology
This is a paper that focuses on concepts; however, the arguments made and conclusions presented are based on action research. The inspiration for this paper comes from a project with a United States-based defense contractor. Specifics of the project and the company cannot be presented due to non-disclosure agreements. What can be said is that the company attempted to take technologies and experience developed/gained working with United States Department of Defense and other national intelligence agencies and generate a commercial knowledge management offering focused on providing KM tools and management processes. One of the authors participated in this project as a KM academic expert responsible for providing KM focus and direction. It is participatory research per Burstein and Gregor (1999) as the author had a vested interest in the success of the project and in generating a commercial KM offering and was able to reflect on the project while participating. Specific data for this paper comes from the company’s initial presentation of what was considered to be a knowledge pyramid. This pyramid cannot be presented due to non-disclosure agreement. However, the presented pyramid can be described as a fusion of the traditional knowledge pyramid with KM processes and intelligence concepts. It was analysis of this pyramid and discussions with the project team that formed the basis of this paper. The pyramid presented is the result of this reflection and is not at all similar to the project proposed pyramid.