A Systematic Approach to Knowledge Audit: A Literature Review

The importance of effective Knowledge Management in the 21st century knowledge economy cannot be further emphasised. The most critical step in managing knowledge effectively is an organisation’s ability to identify knowledge gaps, that is, determining what knowledge is required, where it is required, and who requires that knowledge. This is tantamount to carrying out a knowledge audit. This paper seeks to identify the views of Knowledge Management authors on what a knowledge audit is all about and the purpose it serves. It also outlines their views on the specific objectives a knowledge audit is meant to achieve and the organisational circumstances warranting the carrying out of an audit. The paper also outlines Knowledge Management authors’ views on what aspects should be included in a knowledge audit and the steps that should be followed in carrying out a knowledge audit. Finally, a knowledge audit model focusing on the organisation’s core processes is outlined. Keywords: Knowledge Management, knowledge audit, knowledge needs, knowledge inventory, knowledge map, knowledge audit model