A knowledge base is a collection of information that is organized and can be easily accessed by human beings or computers. It is also known as a knowledge repository. The term "knowledge base" was first coined by computer scientist John McCarthy in 1955. A knowledge base can take many different forms, but all share the common goal of providing a central location for storing and retrieving information.
A knowledge base can be as simple as a collection of text files or as complex as a sophisticated database. The type of information that is stored in a knowledge base depends on its purpose. For example, a knowledge base may contain facts about the world, such as the names of countries and their capitals, or it may contain information about a particular domain, such as the parts of a car or the symptoms of a disease.
At the organizational level, knowledge bases are essential for individual, team and company-wide performance.
Types of knowledge bases
Below are some examples of common knowledge base types and why they are so integral to performance.
- Personal knowledge
A personal knowledge base is a collection of facts, ideas, and thoughts that belongs to an individual. This type of knowledge base can be used for things like remembering important details or solving problems. Additionally, a personal knowledge base can be helpful for organizing information and making connections between ideas.
- Team knowledge
A team knowledge base is a collection of information that is shared among a group of people. This type of knowledge base can be used for things like collaborating on projects or sharing best practices. Team knowledge bases are there to make sure that everyone has access to the same information.
- Organizational or institutional knowledge
An organizational knowledge base is a collection of information that is maintained and used by an organization. This type of knowledge base can be used for things like storing company policies or procedures. Organizational knowledge bases are typically collaborative in nature and are designed to be used by everyone in the organization.
- Subject-specific knowledge
A subject-specific knowledge base is a collection of information that is related to a particular subject, such as GlobalSign’s SSL/PKI Support website. This type of knowledge base can be used for things like researching a topic or finding expert advice. Subject-specific knowledge bases are often found in libraries or online.
- General understanding
A general knowledge base is a collection of information that is not specific to any one subject. This type of knowledge base can be used for things like finding general facts or trivia. General knowledge bases are often found in encyclopedias or online and are useful for settling arguments or barbets.
- Public knowledge
A public knowledge base is a collection of information available to the general public. This type of knowledge base can be used for things like finding answers to common questions or learning about new products and services. An example of a public knowledge base could include things such as a FAQ section on a website or a customer service forum.
Why are different knowledge bases important?
It is important for both individuals and organizations to have different types of knowledge bases because they serve different purposes. Personal knowledge bases can be used for things like remembering important details or solving problems, while organizational knowledge bases are typically used for storing company policies or procedures. The establishment and curation of important knowledge bases is part and parcel of the digital transformation process.
Additionally, subject-specific knowledge bases can be useful for researching a topic or finding expert advice. General knowledge bases are often used for finding general facts or trivia while public knowledge bases can be used for finding answers to common questions or learning about new products and services. Different types of knowledge bases are important because they provide different types of information that can be useful in different situations.
Different problems and organizational settings rely on different types of knowledge. For example, a personal knowledge base might be used to remember important details or solve problems, while an organizational knowledge base would be better suited for storing company policies or procedures.
Subject-specific knowledge bases can be useful for research or finding expert advice, and general knowledge bases can provide general facts or trivia. Public knowledge bases are designed to answer common questions or provide information about new products and services. Different types of knowledge bases are important because they offer different types of information that can be useful in different situations.
How to cultivate different types of knowledge bases as an organization or an individual
There are a few different ways that you can cultivate different types of knowledge bases as an organization or individual. One way is to create a system for storing and organizing information. This could include things like using a document management system or creating a central repository for all information.
Another way to cultivate different types of knowledge bases is to encourage collaboration. This could involve things like setting up a knowledge-sharing platform or using social media to connect with others. You can also encourage learning by providing resources like training materials or books. By taking these steps, you can create an environment that is conducive to developing different types of knowledge bases.
Conclusion
Having access to different knowledge bases at different levels of the organization is important. It allows you to have the information you need when you need it. When developing your knowledge base, it is important to consider what type of information you need and how you will access it. In summation, being able to harness different types of knowledge is important for individuals and organizations. It allows you to have the information you need when you need it.
