Current state of knowledge management, potential and trends; Implications for the construction industry

During the past decade a paradigm shift in the domain of knowledge management (KM) has emerged out of learning occurred from unfulfilled KM initiatives. This emerging perspective of KM considers it to be more as a human activity rather than a technological endeavour. The notion that knowledge can readily be captured and made part of the machines and then easily shared with others has lost its strength. Rather, knowledge creation and sharing is being advocated through socialisation processes like building communities of practice, either real or virtual. The esoteric, contextual and problematic nature of knowledge is becoming evident as KM research is advancing into the realms of social constructivism. These constraints in KM are being recognised, and KM strategies are being devised that consider these limitations. Issues like leadership, vision and culture have become central to the successful KM initiatives. This paper presents the changing face of KM through the review of the literature. It argues that KM is not just another management fad or a recycled concept. Rather, the various trends and potentials of KM research are identified within the context of expanding boundaries and domain, and the potential benefit for the construction industry.