Knowledge management and IT: how are they related

Knowledge management applications must convey two types of information. The first type, support information, includes descriptive explanations that serve as a basis for understanding (who, what, when, where, with what, and why). The second type, guidance, strengthens your ability to act, through explanations of how to accomplish a task. The relationship between IT and knowledge management is strong and much needed. Only a complete rethinking of the elements of software design to incorporate both support information and guidance will yield increased functionality and improved user performance. In choosing or developing various products, ask yourself: Will this information technology help users gain understanding? Will it improve their ability to act? Information technology that is designed to enhance both understanding and action can add great value to business applications. Taking this next step in IT design will enable dramatic improvements in workplace performance.