Knowledge management and the Australian Public Service: some lessons learned

This study of knowledge management in the Australian Public Service sought evidence of lessons learned in what reportedly is a mature field of endeavour, having been prominent since the last decade of the previous century. Two web-based surveys and a series of follow-up interviews provided the basis for a number of lessons learned. To some extent what was learned was a reinforcement of conventional wisdom, reiterating the importance of both organisational context and local perceptions of the nature of knowledge management. In other respects, unexpected lessons emerged in relation to the need for compliance with various regulatory and legislative demands. Ten lessons were learned from the project. On the evidence of this project there is little room for complacency about either the current or future states of knowledge management in the Australian Public Service.