For all the effort given to the transportation of physical things...we really don't have much of a clue on how knowledge flows in an apparent knowledge economy. Knowledge flow analysis (or some derivative of the concept) is quickly becoming a strategic consideration for corporations. Knowledge flows much like water - not where you want it to...but rather where the conditions are right for natural flow and dispersion (how can you tell I'm trying to grow a $!?# lawn?). As this article states, organization charts do not accurately reveal how information flows. "Whether as a manager presiding over a department or as a member embedded within one, we are all dramatically affected by information flow and webs of relationships within social networks. These networks often are not depicted on any formal chart..."
Posted by gsiemens at June 7, 2004 7:45 PM