The Knowledge Evolution: Expanding Organizational Intelligence (Paperback)

by Verna Allee (Author) "Nestled in the rolling, wooded hills of Northern California lies a densely packed industrial and residential area known the world over as Silicon Valley..." (more)
Key Phrases: core performance capabilities, renewing knowledge, core knowledge competencies, Total Quality, Knowledge Era, Arthur Andersen (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Although KM has evolved since the publication of these volumes in Butterworth's valuable series, they still provide superior content. They are more appropriate for academic collections and readers well versed in KM ideas and principles.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
"This unique book blends the enduring wisdom of the past with the fresh thinking of today in order to provide a remarkably intriguing look into the future of tomorrow's business world." - Dr. Stephen R. Covey, author, 'Seven Habits of Highly Effective People'


This book raises questions about the nature of knowledge, describes the differences between old and new ways of thinking, and suggests tools companies can use to navigate through the "knowledge era." -HR Magazine -- Review

The Knowledge Evolution offers a unique and powerful road map for understanding knowledge creation, learning, and performance in everyday work. Packed with the best practices from leading edge companies, essential guidelines, design principles, analogies, and conceptual frameworks, The Knowledge Evolution serves as a practical guidebook for mastering "the knowledge era". Highly recommended reading for anyone charged with managerial responsibilities and successfully competing in the business climates of the 21st century. -- Midwest Book Review

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Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Butterworth-Heinemann; 1 edition (May 7, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 075069842X
• ISBN-13: 978-0750698429
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #799,172 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive, introductory text., May 2, 1999

By A Customer

At times, The Knowledge Evolution delved too much into semantics and ontology, in an attempt to develop a "common language". At the time of publication (1997) this may have been relevant but the prevalence of "knowledge management glossaries" reveals that indeed a common language has emerged, making this specific content a bit of an arduous read. Perhaps a second edition is needed, especially since the proprietary value of this book is still not being addressed in current knowledge management (KM) literature. Current KM books almost exclusively focus on data, information and knowledge (DIK). The Knowledge Evolution visions past DIK and adds complex dimensions of meaning, wisdom and philosophy to the knowledge framework.

If you do purchase this selection, I recommend writing unabashedly in the margins, or keeping a notebook on hand, connecting the theoretical constructs of knowledge and it's management discussed in the book to a personal context. By and large the scope of the book is very broad, looking inclusively at the field of KM. Since the writing of this book, specific sub-fields within KM have emerged i.e. data mining, group memory technologies, knowledge mapping etc. A reorganization of the content in this book along those lines (i.e. "procedural knowledge" with data mining, "functional knowledge" with knowledge mapping) was a worthwhile endeavor of this reader and would be a tremendous value-add to a second edition.

By and large The Knowledge Evolution is a readable and comprehensive introductory text to the field of KM. The book is broad and encompasses so much of the theory and principles behind KM that the actual industry has yet achieve or implement everything discussed. With the enormous influx and popularity of KM books in the past two years I hadn't heard anything about The Knowledge Evolution and now having read it, I realize the book that all these current authors must have also read.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good book for leaders of knowledge-rich organizations., May 8, 1999

By	Carson P. Lysik (Canyon Country, CA USA) - See all my reviews

It should come as no surprise that without knowledge, systems fail. In The Knowledge Evolution, Verna Allee focuses on an analysis of the role knowledge plays in contributing to the success of an organization. According to Allee, knowledge becomes of greater and greater importance as the validity and strength of an organization is called into question. Without a doubt, the availability of a strong knowledge base has, in many corporations, played a fundamental role in the company's survival.

Presently, workers at numerous companies are struggling with the concept of how knowledge becomes a driving influence within their organization. Because it is intangible and hard to grasp a common understanding of what organizational knowledge is, leaders are finding it hard to capture, organize, and use knowledge as a tool. Verna attempts to establish a frame-work which lends itself to this understanding and provides today's corporate leaders with the tools to better make decisions regarding organizational knowledge.

Allee provides a general understanding of how advancements in technology define corporate culture and how learning is effected by the widespread use of available technologies. Community relationships are also influenced by technology and leaders are being forced to rethink how organizations are structured and how knowledge is used to influence decision-making processes.

Current conditions indicate that the future of companies -- how well prepared they will be to compete in the global economy -- will be determined by how well they understand and use knowledge. Allee provides a management road-map to get companies where they want to be regarding knowledge.

Like it or not, the Knowledge Evolution is upon us. Allee identified some effective ways organizations should create, adapt and apply knowledge. This book is essential reading for leaders who want to win!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A penetrating look at the knowledge-organization connection., February 13, 1999

By A Customer

Taking an organic systems view, the author explores how organizations acquire, manage, and transfer knowledge. Covers: the nature, role and order of knowledge; best practices; types of organizational structures that support knowledge sharing; technologies for knowledge building; developing knowledge strategies; and efforts to measure results. An very impressive gathering and integration of ideas about organization in the Knowledge Era. A first-rate book on a cutting-edge subject.