How to Actually Do Knowledge Management in Global Health

Let’s start with the basics

Over the last several years I’ve tried to articulate what knowledge management is, and why it is important for strengthening health systems. At the same time, I’ve worked more on communicating about knowledge management approaches in different countries, and with colleagues all over the world.

Here are some things I’ve learned from the process of both talking about — and doing — knowledge management in diverse settings and countries:

1. Do your research, and work with local partners. Make sure you put some real effort into preparing for knowledge management activities in the field. First, do an environment scan to get to know the area. You should also establish relationships with local partners who can help you connect with local audiences — they can also help you pre-test concepts or ideas before presenting them to your larger audience. For example, you may want to ask, “Would it be appropriate to ask the group to participate in a series of virtual trainings on a certain topic?” Your local contact will know more about any connectivity issues, cultural barriers (for example, taboo topics), and other relevant issues.
2. Match the language to the audience. You don’t always have to explain knowledge management the same way in every setting. Not everyone is familiar with the term “knowledge management,” but I’m satisfied if my audience understands that, when it comes to sharing and learning critical health information, their communication goals will be more successful if they use a systematic approach. Instead of suggesting people use a “knowledge portal,” I find it easier to suggest they use “Facebook, or a platform like it,” to connect with audiences online. Similarly, I’ve gotten blank stares when I talk about “share fairs,” but usually people will understand me when I propose “meeting in small groups to share experiences.” It’s ok if you don’t always use the same knowledge management terminology. It’s more important for people to understand the knowledge management approach.
3. Cut the jargon. Is talking about “capacity strengthening,” “operationalizing,” or “research utilization” going to mean anything to a group of community-based family planning advocates in rural Indonesia? Probably not. Instead, I prefer talking about “improving skills,” “learning,” or “using research results” — these are concepts that are not only easy to understand, but easy to interpret (if there is a language barrier).
4. Be flexible, and be patient! Try something and if it isn't working, adapt! If your audience doesn’t get every aspect of knowledge management the first time, keep trying different approaches. So your small group session didn’t take well to the open space technique? Don’t stress! Try buzz groups, skits, posters, or another fun way to share knowledge in small groups.
5. Show and tell. While giving instructions for an activity, show them at the same time. If you are teaching how to do a knowledge café, sit down and demonstrate the technique, explaining as you go. If you are teaching Net-Mapping, have them DO this exercise in groups. Then, give them clear instructions, in a format they can take home with them, so they can use this technique after the training ends. I find index-size cards work great!
6. Make sure your metaphors are culturally appropriate. For us in the U.S., “hitting a brick wall” means that we have reached a stopping point. But in some places, “brick walls” are considered signs of prosperity! We love metaphors in knowledge management — and they can be really useful — but make sure they aren’t working against you.

In short, what I’ve begun to understand is this:

While you may know about knowledge management, your audience is the expert on their needs and their context.

Don’t force them adapt to your language or frame of reference.

Your role as a knowledge manager to first help your audience articulate what knowledge they need and then help them obtain and use this knowledge. Ultimately, whether they use your exact definition of knowledge management is not as important. It’s the concepts and the outcomes that matter.

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