Implications of knowledge spiral

Everything, good and bad, is a cycle. The knowledge spiral cycle consists of internalization, socialization, externalization, and combination. The internalization quadrant involves one learning from assimilating - by reading, listening, observing, or other means - what's external into his knowledge base. The socialization stage brings out his understanding or insight to the sharing community. As a result, private knowledge becomes public (or shared) knowledge.

The externalization phase turns a collective insight into a visible form - prototype, formula, equation,report, meeting minute, paper, or design drawing. Tacit knowledge becomes explicit knowledge at this point. The explicit knowledge inevitably gets confirmed or challenged by other knowledge. This process leads to more understanding and deeper learning.

One may begin at the socialization quadrant or the internalization quadrant. The internalization process is stimulated by the explicit knowledge, whereas socialization requires exposure to sharing of tacit knowledge. Both exist in the real world.

The knowledge spiral model describes the necessary steps one goes through in learning. Knowledge creation and knowledge sharing are simply different points in the knowledge life cycle. Not all knowledge has great problem-solving power. Knowledge gets updated and even gets obsolete. One's knowledge spiral is really an on-going process. Intellectually, one grows along the way.