STARS uses a knowledge paradigm that depicts how data, information and knowledge are created and used by people. Knowledge sharing is driven by people and supported by processes and products (tools). It is important to realize that no tool or process on its own will promote knowledge sharing. It is people as individuals and in teams that decide how and when to share information and to what extent.

The STARS Knowledge cycle covers personal, team and organizational aspects. The diagram provides a simplified depiction of the main elements from the personal viewpoint. The states are shown as nouns (in capitals) and the verbs (in blue) are the main associated actions. The colour shading depicts that a continuum exists between learning and using knowledge. This knowledge continuum is affected by and affects the culture of an organization. Hence socio-cultural management and knowledge management interact in ways that shape adoption of knowledge management in an organization. This is termed: Culturally sensitive knowledge management.

When shared information leads to shared insight and understanding, then knowledge sharing can be recognized to occur. Knowledge management can facilitate this knowledge creation, sharing, and products can help capture and organize this for future use. This in turn leads to innovation and promotes change 'from within' which is more successful than applying change management as an external force to an organization.

The book: Reach for the STARS, describes the STARS Knowledge cycle in greater detail.

In addition the author has a detailed knowledge management method and model for application in an organisation. Feel welcome to contact us if you wish to improve your knowledge management.

Copyright notice: You may copy and share the STARS knowledge life cycle and knowledge layer diagrams as shown without alteration under the creative commons license provisions. Any other usage (including removal of the copyright notice) is not permitted.