Rethinking the data-information-knowledge hierarchy: towards a case-based model

This case analysis contributes to the academic development of knowledge management by questioning the widely accepted data-information-knowledge hierarchy. It examines the practical use the hierarchy during the development of a knowledge-based system in a large utility company. The data-information-knowledge hierarchy was found to be of limited practical use. The literature related to the hierarchy sheds little light on separating the concepts of data, information and knowledge. This case uses empirical data from an in-depth study to present a counterpoint to the conventional data-information-knowledge hierarchy. It contributes to theory in two distinct ways. First, it introduces the knowledge-information-data model, which proposes a top-down perspective rather than the traditional bottom-up approach. Second, the case suggests that the terms knowledge and information can be understood in terms of their purpose and location.