Knowledge Hierarchy: DIKW Pyramid

Knowledge Hierarchy

The knowledge pyramid, also known as the DIKW (Data, Information, Knowledge, Wisdom) pyramid, is a model that illustrates the hierarchical relationship between data, information, knowledge, and wisdom.

Data

• Raw, unorganized facts and figures
• Can be thought of as "signals" or "noise"
• Examples: numbers, words, images, sounds
• Data provides the foundation for the knowledge pyramid

Information

• Organized and structured data that provides meaning
• Data that has been processed, filtered, and transformed to provide relevance and purpose
• Examples: reports, summaries, charts, graphs
• Information answers "who, what, when, and where" questions

Knowledge

• The integration of information with a person's experience, context, and judgment
• The ability to discern and apply relevant information to a specific situation
• Knowledge answers "how" questions
• Examples: skills, expertise, know-how, best practices

Wisdom

• The application of knowledge to achieve a desired outcome or solve a problem
• The ability to discern and apply the most relevant knowledge to a specific situation
• Wisdom answers "why" questions
• Examples: insight, intuition, critical thinking, decision-making

Note: The knowledge pyramid is not a rigid or linear progression, but rather a cyclical and iterative process where each level informs and builds upon the others.

Knowledge Hierarchy

• The knowledge pyramid, also known as the DIKW pyramid, illustrates the hierarchical relationship between data, information, knowledge, and wisdom.

Data

• Raw, unorganized facts and figures that provide the foundation for the knowledge pyramid.
• Examples include numbers, words, images, and sounds, which can be thought of as "signals" or "noise".

Information

• Organized and structured data that provides meaning and relevance.
• Examples include reports, summaries, charts, and graphs that answer "who, what, when, and where" questions.
• Information is processed, filtered, and transformed data that provides purpose.

Knowledge

• The integration of information with a person's experience, context, and judgment.
• The ability to discern and apply relevant information to a specific situation, answering "how" questions.
• Examples include skills, expertise, know-how, and best practices that result from integrating information.

Wisdom

• The application of knowledge to achieve a desired outcome or solve a problem.
• The ability to discern and apply the most relevant knowledge to a specific situation, answering "why" questions.
• Examples include insight, intuition, critical thinking, and decision-making that result from applying knowledge.

Iterative Process

• The knowledge pyramid is a cyclical and iterative process where each level informs and builds upon the others, rather than a rigid or linear progression.

Tacit Knowledge

Definition

• Tacit knowledge refers to implicit, intuitive, and often unconscious knowledge that is difficult to articulate or codify.

Characteristics

• Tacit knowledge is implicit, meaning it is not explicitly stated or written down.
• It is based on instinct, experience, and insight rather than conscious reasoning, making it intuitive.
• Tacit knowledge is highly personal and specific to the individual.
• It is deeply rooted in the individual's experiences, culture, and social context, making it context-dependent.

Types of Tacit Knowledge

• Technical tacit knowledge is related to skills, crafts, and technical expertise, such as riding a bike.
• Cognitive tacit knowledge is related to mental models, intuition, and judgment, such as recognizing patterns.

Challenges in Sharing Tacit Knowledge

• Tacit knowledge is difficult to articulate and put into words or documentation.
• It is often lost when people leave an organization or retire due to the loss of context.
• Tacit knowledge is difficult to transfer from one person to another, making it inefficient.

Importance of Tacit Knowledge

• Tacit knowledge is essential for creative problem-solving and innovation.
• It is a key component of expert performance in various domains.
• Tacit knowledge is crucial for organizational innovation and adaptation.

Capturing Tacit Knowledge

• Apprenticeships can be used to learn tacit knowledge by working alongside experts.
• Mentorship can provide guided learning from experienced individuals.
• Storytelling can be used to convey tacit knowledge by sharing experiences and anecdotes.
• Communities of practice, which are informal networks for sharing knowledge and expertise, can also be used.