Tutorial. 8. KM and Storytelling

8. KM and StorytellingETL525 Knowledge ManagementTutorial Three19 December 2008K.T. Lamlblkt@ust.hkLast updated: 17 December 2008Organizational Story• Organizational story is defined as a detailed narrative of past management actions, employee interactions, or other intra- or extra-organizational events that are communicated informally within the organization. (Swap 2001)• A story is understood broadly as a verbal or written description of true or fictional events, structured by a plot. (Sinclair 2005)Organizational Story (cont.)• Stories will ordinarily include a plot, major characters, and outcome.• A moral, or implication of the story for action, is usually implied if not explicitly stated. • Stories will normally originate from within the organization and will therefore reflect organizational norms, values, and culture.Source: Swap (2001)Storytelling for KM• Storytelling is a powerful way to capture tacit knowledge:– Tools such as narratives, metaphors, and speaking figuratively enable staff, to ‘put together what they know in new ways and begin to express what they know but cannot yet say’.– Storytelling ‘trigger things – pictures, thoughts and associations in the listeners’ minds’, hence creating learning.Source: Davison & Voss (2002)Storytelling for KM• Using storytelling in informal teaching:– Stories are used to dramatize critical skills, managerial systems, and norms and values common to many organizations.– Stories ...