Integrating Knowledge

The previous chapter has focused on the creation of new knowledge. This chapter is about making existing knowledge available to an organization. First, ways of acquiring knowledge from external sources are considered, such as hiring and training staff, cooperating with other organizations, and buying knowledge products. After that, the chapter moves on to knowledge that already exists within the company in some form, but is in danger of getting lost or is simply not accessible to all who would benefit from it, particularly if it is locked away in the heads of some employees. The task of discovering knowledge that has not previously been recognized as such in corporate repositories is also discussed. Finally, the role of incentive schemes for integrating knowledge is considered.