REIA DOREEN M.

RUECO
Master in Business Administration

INTRODUCTION
Effectiveness of knowledge management depends on how knowledge management processes are
aligned with an organizations infrastructure and processes, in a manner that supports the
achievement of an organizations goals.
Knowledge Management is the process of capturing, developing, sharing, and effectively using
organizational knowledge. It refers to a multi-disciplined approach to achieving organizational
objectives by making the best use of knowledge. Knowledge management efforts typically focus
on organizational objectives such as improved performance, competitive advantage, innovation,
the sharing of lessons learned, integration and continuous improvement of the organization.
Knowledge Management efforts overlap with organizational learning and may be distinguished
from that by a greater focus on the management of knowledge as a strategic asset and a focus on
encouraging the sharing of knowledge.
KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT THEORY
To manage knowledge in organizations, we have to rely on concepts and constructs that are
theoretically sound, which cover the most important areas of knowledge processes, and which
are easy to communicate and integrate in the practical action within the organization.
Conceptually robust theories of organizations, knowledge, and meaning processing require rather
sophisticated discussions on the nature of intelligence, meaning, organized action, and
organizational information processing. From this theoretical basis, we should be able to derive
theoretical constructs that are directly relevant for practical organizational life. We should also
package these theories into a form that can be integrated into management practice.
Though simple adaptation does not necessarily assume irreversibility, in most cases it is expected
that learning creates new ways of acting and thinking. A simple and in organization theory that is
considered as one of the most influential model theory has been proposed by David A. Kolb
which is mostly known as the Experiential Learning Model.

REIA DOREEN M. RUECO

Master in Business Administration

Kolb's (1984) learning theory sets out four distinct learning styles (or preferences), which are
based on a four-stage learning cycle. Kolb's model offers both a way to understand individual
learning styles, and also an explanation of a cycle of experiential learning that applies to all
learners.
According to Kolb, learners need four different type of skills to make the learning cycle
effective. They have to be able to engage openly and without prejudgment in new experiences,
reflect and observe their experiences from many perspective, create concepts that integrate
observations into logically sound theories, and finally use these theories in decision making and
problem solving.
Kolb described the four stages in the cycle of experiential learning as:

Concrete Experience - (CE)

Reflective Observation - (RO)
Abstract Conceptualization - (AC)
Active Experimentation - (AE)

Figure: Kolbs Model Theory

Kolb's four stage learning cycle provides the basis for his model of learning styles. Kolb
proposed that an individual learning style was the product of two pairs of preferences we have in
how we approach the task of learning.

REIA DOREEN M. RUECO

Master in Business Administration

Kolb proposed that learning is a combination of both how we approach a task and how we
respond to and assimilate the experience. In approaching a task (processing) we have a
preference for either doing or watching, and in responding to the experience we have a
preference for either feeling or thinking.
KOLBS THEORY APPLIED
Basically, the experiential learning model had always been a part of everyday routine of some,
and definitely had helped them improved their daily interactions and activities.
This theory had also been a part of my activities unknowingly until fully understood. It helped
get through a lot and understand how and why things are to be. It was discussed that this theory
is an individual learning through a cycle of immediate experience which leads to observations
and reflections on the experiences.
Under the first part of the cycle which is the Concrete Experience, it helped me emphasized my
personal involvement with the people in my everyday situations. I was able to rely on my ability
to be an open-minded person and was able to adapt or be flexible to changes.
For example, for years that I have been a student, it was my first time to be in the real-world as a
professional and to struggle problems not written in the books that I was able to solve back in
college. I am now in a real-life adventure that no books can teach me how to do and solve things.
On the second part of the cycle, the Reflective Observation, I was able to understand ideas and
situations from different points of view. I was able to rely on patience, objectivity, and careful
judgment. For instance, as a worker, I was able to rely on my own feelings in forming opinions. I
was then able to carefully analyze and understand what it has to be to deal with my clients and
supervisors in the most admirable way.
Third part is the Abstract Conceptualization, in this part, learning already involves logic and
ideas rather than feelings in understanding problems. I was then able to rely on systematic
planning and develops ideas in solving situations. For example, using the past experiences that I
encountered in my work place and in my daily activities, I was able to link those experiences in
applying it in my day-to-day situations that are useful to improve myself and my interaction
towards others.

REIA DOREEN M. RUECO

Master in Business Administration

And the last part of the cycle which is the Active Experimentation is the final stage which takes
an active form of experimenting with changing situations. An individual would take practical
approach and be concerned with what really works as opposed to simply watching the situation,
simply stating, it is the application of what is observed. For example, I was able to consider ways
to improve the situation and tries out methods and strategies based on the previous stages of the
cycle.
When understanding a Knowledge Management Theory, we have to make sure that we cover all
of the components - all of the interlinked items - which need to be in place for knowledge
management to work. We analyzed the theory as a matrix, and to take a well-established
knowledge management model for each axis of the matrix.
The elements of the Knowledge Management need to not only work together, but also work with
the existing systems, structures, infrastructures and technologies within the company.