Knowledge management: much more than a technology exercise : Learning to learn, valuing knowledge and changing culture are all key elements in successful knowledge management

Purpose – Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – Knowledge management (KM) has become a buzz‐word in big business with over 90 percent of companies considering it crucial to their success. However, the problem is that few businesses seem to have a good understanding of what KM actually is. A variety of definitions abound, with many firms interpreting KM as simply a technological fix. In fact, so many KM initiatives fail that some companies have tried re‐branding it under the guise of “best practice” or “benchmarking”. Dean Call provides a clear explanation of KM and describes the six steps to KM success using examples from the commercial and business sectors. Practical implications – Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.