Putting knowledge networks into action : a methodology for developing and maintaining Knowledge Networks

The concepts and theories of knowledge management and networks are about to become well documented. Yet there are few, if any, guidelines on how to implement knowledge management within an organization, especially focusing on how to manage knowledge in a network environment. On the one hand, this is paraphrasing Tom Stewart?s assertion in his book, Intellectual Capital, that nobody knows how to write a cookbook with knowledge management recipes, and on the other hand, it reinforces that managing knowledge in networks is a rather new and unexplored field. However, paths have emerged that - in the case of some organizations - yielded benefits. This handbook visualizes those paths that allow connecting theories, concepts, and concrete actions. Managing knowledge in network environments is a fast-moving field attempting to integrate various disciplines such as human resources, organizational development, change management, strategy, information technology, sociology, and network theory. The objective of this book is to integrate these different roots into a holistic view on managing knowledge in networks. Therefore we develop a methodology, which will support you to move concrete steps forward towards building and maintaining knowledge network in your organization.