Knowledge Management – A Bridge to the Rural - Urban Divide

Abstract

Knowledge Management is a combination of techniques and tools to unfold and utilize information and knowledge and
exploring implicit and explicit assets thereby organizing and sharing the diverse forms on information. Knowledge is
information combined with experience, context, interpretation and reflection. This paper emphasizes the role of knowledge
management and communication from the perspective of the untouched rural resources in India. It is said that there are two
drastically different segments of population in India – one comprising the urban, elite working class and the other the rural
masses who constitute the majority. The true yardstick of globalization and economic development is when it makes an
impact on people at the grassroots level. Rural workforce is not second to the urban but for the lack of awareness and
opportunity to get to the top. They match the knowledge and skill sets; whereas they might need a bit of polishing when it
comes to language, communication skills and etiquettes. Giving opportunities to the rural talent uplifts individuals from
their status level, empowers them and paves way for socio-economic development. This will aid to bridge the gap between
the urban-rural divide. India continues to provide an innovative and large differentiated market to the rest of the world, due
to its ability to produce low cost high value products and services and rationalize resources through innovative business
practices leading to top quality products at competitive prices inducing the necessary demands, even at recessionary times.
This leads to manifold implications in Indian business scenario. This paper develops some basic principles of the concept
of knowledge management based on social network theories in rural India. The lack of access to information and
unexploded knowledge creates problems are barriers for sustaining market relations and improving competitiveness. The
use of media especially ICT based media can overcome information access problems. Finally, by putting the person and
the social relationships into the heart of research and development the human dimension of economic relationships can be
acknowledged.