The Australian Army is investing in a substantial knowledge management initiative as part of its Adaptive Army strategy. This strategy might be summarised as a "learning organisation" approach, but I digress. They have produced their first booklet for comment. Unfortunately its not available for public comment, but it is an interesting read. I thought I would share the thrust of the document.

The first thing I like is the focus on informed decision making and the strong recognition that knowledge management must focus on the human dimension. Even more interesting is the use of historical battle examples throughout the booklet. These range from the December 2004 ambush at Tel Afar to the July 1918 Battle of Hamel.

I'm less comfortable with the entries on what is knowledge, which use the classical data, information, knowledge, wisdom pyramid, although this is explained in a military context using a tank engagement to illustrate it. Also the tacit and explicit definitions are typical of most of the misquoted literature. Even the most cursory reading of Polanyi or Nonaka finds that they say knowledge is at once both tacit and explicit, something that has been lost along the way. I do however like the linkages to learning and adaptation, which use a four loop approach. Learning loops are described as immediate, short, medium, and long. (A long loop would be force modernisation, which typically takes years to implement and can easily be derailed by technological innovation). The loops are all outcome focussed and focus on desired effects.

Ten principles of knowledge management are espoused. I can't share these with you just yet, but suffice it to say they are very similar to the US Army and TARDIS principles . The emphasis on learning is evident in the Chapter's opening quote by Otto von Bismarck - ‘A fool learns from his own mistakes, a wise man learns from the mistakes of others.’

All in all this looks like a robust start to formalise and institutionalise knowledge sharing and learning culture. A measure of just how serious they are taking this is the tow and three star General officer sponsorship. A conference will occur in April 2010 with the theme - "Knowledge Management in Support of Adaptive Army". Already it has international interest and includes an entire stream by the US Army, drawing on their lessons. I'll be attending and hopefully David Snowden and Patrick Lambe are free to participate. I'm sure they will challenge the military mindset - which by the way in my experience is much more open to novel approaches than many commercial organisations. I'll keep you posted as this initiative develops, and particularly when details and content can be publically released. Sharing knowledge so others can benefit matters.

Regards Graham