Introduction
The knowledge management matrix is a theoretical model of the knowledge management process. Developed by Paul Gamble and John Blackwell in 2001, it focuses on the sharing of knowledge within an organization.
Model Overview

Breaking Down the Model
This model can be broken down into four stages:
- Sense: In this stage, managerial level individuals or teams observe and gather sources of their organizational knowledge.
- Organize: This gathered knowledge then needs to be allocated based on organizational gaps and assessed for value and importance.
- Socialize: Once assessed for value and importance, the knowledge needs to be communicated to wherever and whoever needs it in the organization.
- Internalize: Through use, the knowledge becomes internalized within the organization.
Case Study
Let’s use an example to illustrate this matrix. Your department is well known for its customer service, especially when dealing with challenging customers. Your company would like to examine how your department handles customer complaints to help other departments.
An individual or team would first observe and gather information about how employees in your department handle complaints. What do they do when dealing with customers?
Next, the knowledge management team would contextualize and organize the gathered information. They would assess how your department deals with complaints versus how the company deals with complaints. What is the difference? Which approach has more value? How can we bridge this organizational gap?
The knowledge of how your department deals with complaints would then be transferred to other departments. One strategy might be to have people in your department teach and observe people in other departments.
Over time and with the proper implementation and support, your department’s way of dealing with customers will permeate the company. This knowledge will become internalized within the organization through use.