Human Aspects of Information Management: Week 10 Assignment Analysis

This assignment focuses on the human aspects of information management, examining the role of information and knowledge in building intellectual capital. It uses case studies of Xerox and the World Bank to illustrate effective knowledge management practices, including the use of IT tools and the importance of trust within organizations. The assignment highlights the student's existing knowledge, new insights gained, and changes in perspective regarding knowledge sharing, emphasizing the alignment of employee and organizational objectives. It also suggests further research on the practical application of IT in knowledge management, the balance between freedom of information and privacy, and the integration of knowledge management with HR functions. The student reflects on the impact of the week's theme, demonstrating a shift in understanding about the benefits of knowledge sharing and the critical role of trust in fostering a productive work environment.

The week’s theme and/or themes:
Theme of week 10 was Human Aspects of Information Management.
In this week description regarding role of information and knowledge has been provided for
the building intellectual capital by considering examples of various multinational companies
such as Xerox and world bank.
Examples (& additional examples)
Xerox
In order to describe importance of information management in developing of intellectual
capital, case study of Xerox has been considered in this week. Selected organization is
leading in KM practices. Management of Xerox had incorporated knowledge sharing in their
core culture. It is because, senior management of company believes that knowledge sharing
accelerate the learning process of the organization. In addition to this, KM approach assists
in continuous improvement in order to enhance productivity and in developing better team.
For the effective knowledge sharing company is making use of IT tools such as Eureka,
Docushare, Electronic yellow pages and other communities of practice. Use of IT make this
process cost and time effective for the organization.
World bank
Another example of World bank has been considered to describe importance of information
management in business. Management of World Bank is focused on sharing of information
in order to assure that their clients are able to resolve their queries themselves. For this
aspect, they had recruited experts. In order to share information with new employees entire
induction program is developed with the buddy concept. For the knowledge sharing, World
bank is making use of internal communication group in their HR.
What did you already know?
I was aware of the fact that information and knowledge management practices assists in
developing intellectual capital. It is because; with this approach individuals are able to share
their view points to learn some new and productive. With the availability of appropriable
information, employee is able to accomplish their work in an effective manner. In addition to
this, better social bond can be created in the work environment to prevent work issues and
stress.
In present era, exchange of information among employees of organization is a vital
component. Due to this aspect it is important part of the knowledge-management process.
For this aspect, business organizations can make use of modern information and
telecommunication technology. With the applicability of these tools, organization will be able
to support exchange of information in proper manner without facing distance barriers. I was
also aware of the fact that commercial entities are making investing in this type of technology
however they often face difficulties in motivating their staff members to make use of this
system for sharing of their ideas.
What was new?
In this week I had learnt about applicability of information and knowledge management
practices in a commercial context. Main objective of this theme was identification of issues
involved in the management of information and knowledge in organizational practices. In this
aspect, main focus of lecturer was on problem of trust. In this week, I was able to know

about importance of trust in an organization. In this aspect, I had learnt that trust is key factor
that encourages individual to take risk by accepting new work practices and change.
Trust in elusive in nature because low trust can affect organizational performance as it will
lead to poor team work, conflicting relationship, demotivated staff and other redundancy
issues. Issues of trust can be resolve by implementation of approach of knowledge
management. It is because; KM supports formation of work environment in which all
individuals are able access information and can apply this information for the benefit of
organization. In this concept, interest facts was that it is win win approach to employee and
organization. It is because, employees are able to know about their career opportunities,
work environment and can assess information for their development. On the other hand,
development of employee will enhance productivity and performance of overall organization
by which management can achieve their aims and objectives in an effective manner.
Role of IT is very crucial in knowledge management in an organization. IT tools facilitates
group work (through video conferencing and support systems) and corporate knowledge
sharing (through knowledge repositories and expertise databases).
How have your views/knowledge changed?
After the study of this theme, my view point regarding knowledge management has been
completely changed. Previously my view was decentralization of information provides
security to the organization as knowledge belongs to individual instead of organization.
However, now I am aware of the fact that sharing of knowledge can be used by commercial
entities in positive context in order to develop better working environment.
Another aspect which was changed from this theme was issue of trust. Prior to this study, my
opinion was employer and employee work for their benefit and to achieve their objectives.
However, this study clarified my thought that success of organization is directly associated
with the performance of employees and growth of employees is directly affected by success
of organization. Due to this aspect, both organizations and employees are required to align
their objectives for better work and success.
Additional thoughts/observations research needed
Further, research is required to be done on practical applicability of information technology
on knowledge management. Freedom of information and transparent reporting processes,
balanced against respect for privacy is required to be assessed in order to ensure
confidentiality and availability of appropriable information to employees.
This study can also be linked to the HR functions in order to develop better work policies. For
this aspect example of World Bank can be considered. Management of World Bank had
developed entire team for the purpose of knowledge sharing. Similar to this strategy, other
ways can be identified for the effective implication of knowledge management.
In addition to above described aspect, research is required to be done to resolve loopholes
occurred due to limitations of the technology. It is because, IT changes are not easily
acceptable in the work place until and unless cultural changes take place. For this aspect,
concept of integration can be studied. With this approach, implementation of IT tool will be
supported by information sharing.