Designing Km From The Ground Up Km Conference Kuwait 23rd April 2012

The Kuwait Context

Designing KM from the Ground Up

Org-context

Culture Technology People Process

KM Conference, Kuwait, April 23-25, 2012

Abdul Jaleel Tharayil | Knowledge Management Consultant | Government of Kuwait

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Close to 50% under the age of 25 & Tech Savvy (80% Internet Users)

Very fond of Technology Advancements, (160% Mobile Penetration)

Driven by Technology (Perhaps strength)

30%

80%

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20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

As a % of Internet Users

Facebook Users

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Twitter Penetration Face Book Usage

Key Point : Technology Could be driving force for evolving a knowledge Sharing culture


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DIWANIYA [Defines the Social Fabric of Kuwait]

Is a well knit Network of Communities across Kuwait – where deep sharing is observed.

More than a few 1000s Exist (Approx. 400 / District) Types : Family, Youth, Political, Women, etc High influence on Politics

KEYPOINT : Perhaps a Model to evolve Knowledge Communities or Networks in Kuwait


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Process Vs Practice : Huge Gap Between What’s written in the Process and what gets practiced

Some processes, especially procurement processes are so slow to be considered worthy of integration with KM

Processes are quite disconnected from each other and therefore hinder flow of knowledge

Sometimes, people view process as a last resort to hinder movement forward.

Key Point : One must be careful when Integrating with existing process. It might fall under the weight of KM


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It’s a talking culture – But, what does it mean to KM? Hugely Incentive Driven – What is in it for me? Acceptance and Acknowledgement doesn’t necessarily lead to

decision. It’s part of the culture. Attracted towards, all the newly emerging corporate Jargon Absolute absence of Questioning Habit/Seeking Help. Engage in one-to-one conversation

Key Point : People won’t change, because you as KM consultant/KM Manager tell them to.


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Hierarchically Top Driven Culture Vertical flow of Knowledge Heavily Outsourced Model of Operation Who you know matters more than, what you know - Heavy

Family Relationships Influence Decision Projects/Contracts Driven – Perception that more projects

means, higher efficiency Sense Of Urgency is a Top Down Pull Largely Technology Driven Model of Knowledge Sharing

Key Point : Any intervention seeking to change the vertical flow of knowledge would call for change in Org-Structure. So, explore Competency Based Business Models in addition to Asset-based Models (Vertical)


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Org-context Culture Technology People Process

KM - Design Considerations!

Soft Culture – Seek a Soft Approach

[DIWANIYA]

Focus on Outsourced Entities (Easier Route)

Engage in One-to-One Conversation a lot

Initially!

Focus on improving a process (k-Sharing) as

against person

Big bang approach work better than “start

small” and nobody notices

Be careful not to address the most

critical , sometimes.

Initiatives are very short-lived and

therefore Plan a series of small scale interventions

Talking culture : Ability to interact over voice And Scribe/Technical

Writer Support

Be aware! Of slower, relatively drowsy months and plan

nothing new during these months


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In Summary…

Weigh your options when there are conflicting priorities Invest in one-to-one conversation heavily during design. Evolving model suites best here in Kuwait – Keep options

open. Change of flow from Vertical to Horizontal would call for

Structural changes Remember! Most critical is not always the most suitable Big bang approach works better than starting small and

nobody notices approach Initiatives are short lived, so plan for a series of

interventions.


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Thank you [email protected] Connect me on Linkedin at http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=10127581&trk=tab_pro

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Designing Km From The Ground Up Km Conference Kuwait 23rd April 2012