Selected instruments to support knowledge management in Polish offices of local administration

Abstract

In the 21st century knowledge became the most important resource which is used by companies. As a result of this, companies have to try to manage their knowledge. Municipal offices can be treated as service companies. The most important task for the local administration is to supply of services for their clients. To deal with clients’ problems officials must have a wide range of knowledge. So knowledge resources are the most important resource used by local government authorities. Unfortunately law changes follow very quickly, so officials have to update their knowledge all the time. Officials should take part in training courses and they should have a permanent access to the current rules of law procedures which are applicable in the local administration. Officials should be willing to share their knowledge and to acquire the new one. Offices should acquire knowledge from a variety of sources, including their customers. Effective knowledge management in the offices of the local government requires the use of appropriate instruments, which very often are based on new technologies. In the article selected issues of knowledge management in local government offices as well as the examples of tools used in knowledge management are presented. The author also presents the solutions, in the field of knowledge management, used by the Municipality of Lublin City.