The Garbage Can Model (GCM) & Knowledge Management (KM)

"In an economy where the only certainty is uncertainty, the one sure source of lasting competitive advantage is knowledge" - Ikujiro Nonaka (1995)

Introduction

The garbage can model of organizational choice was first developed Cohen in 1972 to describe the decision-making in organizations anarchies. Note the word ‘anarchies!’  By this word, what the author means is that typically organizations have 'unshared' goals among key decision makers, high growth of technological advancement and churn among the knowledge workers.

I see that this model can work well with the domain of Knowledge Management as the primary objective of any KM function is to enable its organization’s knowledge workers in making “Informed Decisions”.

Let’s explore the Garbage Can Model (GCM) a little and then see its relevant in today’s knowledge management arena.

Relationships among Organizational Parameters, The Garbage Can Model (GCM) Variables and Knowledge Management

GCM involved three initial conditions,

1.      Problematic Goals

2.      Unclear Technology

3.      Fluid Participation

If you closely look at the conditions listed above, you will appreciate the fact that Knowledge Management plays a key role in this model and vice-versa. 

What do you think? Do you think this model is relevant to be discussed with Knowledge Management? Looking forward to hear your thoughts.