Segment and destroy: the missing capabilities of knowledge management

Abstract

PurposeTo draw management and scholarly attention to two missing capabilities in a knowledge management program: segmentation capability and destruction capability.Design/methodology/approachAn opinion paper based on consulting and research experiences of the authors.FindingsOrganizations that consider the two missing capabilities have witnessed significantly improved knowledge management programs compared with when the capabilities were missing from their agenda. In addition to the two missing capabilities, the third capability – protection capability – may need due attention.Research limitations/implicationsThe two missing capabilities can be further investigated as important constructs. The two capabilities complement and augment their peer capabilities (creation, transfer, storing, retrieving and applying). The intricacies of the missing capabilities and the known capabilities need to be further studied.Practical implicationsIf an organization neglects the two capabilities, the benefits of their knowledge management program will be limited. Organizations can cultivate the two missing capabilities effectively and efficiently by following the suggestions of the paper.Originality/valueThis is the first paper that discusses the two missing knowledge management capabilities exclusively and connects their role and importance to known capabilities.