Choo KM Model

Introduction

• Choo (1998) described a model of knowledge management that stresses decision-making.

• Focuses on how information elements are selected and subsequently fed into organizational actions.

• Organizational action results from the concentration and absorption of information from the external environment into each successive cycle

When to use?

Ideal for Decision-Making Process

Model

The Choo Sense model illustrated below from Dalkir (2017) pg.77:

Stages

Sense making stage

• Make sense of the information streaming in from the external environment.

• Priorities are identified and used to filter the information.

• Common interpretations are constructed by individuals from the exchange and negotiation of information fragments combined with their previous experiences.

• Loosely coupled system where individuals construct their own representation of reality by comparing current with past events which allows for adaptation, evolution, and extension.

Knowledge creating

• The transformation of personal knowledge between individuals through dialogue, discourse, sharing, and storytelling.

• This phase is directed by a knowledge vision of “as is” (current situation) and “to be” (future, desired state).

• Knowledge creation widens the spectrum of potential choices in decision making through the provision of new knowledge and new competencies. The result feeds the decision-making process with innovative strategies that extend the organization’s capability to make informed, rational decisions.

• Choo (1998) draws upon the Nonaka and Takeuchi (1995) SECI model for a theoretical basis of knowledge creation.

Decision making

• identify and evaluate alternatives by processing the information and knowledge collected to date.

Conclusion

• This model helps the company to invoke all the informational elements in terms of organizational actions.

• Strengths

  • Holistic treatment of key KM cycle processes extending to organizational decision making

  • The Choo KM model is particularly well suited to simulations and hypothesis or scenario-testing applications.