Knowledge Management as the Creation of Intelligent Resource Sharing Cultures

Abstract

The fields of cultural studies, neuroscience, and management convince us of the importance of integrating pertinent insights into knowledge management KM practice. This guided study, commitment and follow-through is essential for survival in our knowledge economy. 20th century professional interpretations of how Descartes' philosophy has influenced culture help us to realize that westerners are collectively used to ignoring or hiding feelings. We also learn from current neuroscience research that paying attention to our feelings is key to our continued employment as library staff. With proven techniques developed by Watkins 2014, the author shares how, with simple attentional skills, we can heighten our senses so that data generated by feelings are escalated to the higher functioning brain areas that have evolved to incorporate them into our decisions, motivating us to act well. Individual emotional development of staff, as guided by mature leaders who have mastered the concepts and practices in this approach is conducive to better on-the-job performance. A method of knowledge management KM called expert practitioner-focused communities of practice CoPs readily incorporates the proven prerequisites to KM success. As it turns out, attention to emotions makes it much easier to succeed.