I-Space, Max Boisot

• I-Space has three axes: Abstraction, Codification, and Diffusion.

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2D diagram: Codification (x-axis) & Diffusion (y-axis)

• Codification Axis
  • Represents the extent of codification or formalization of information
  • Range is the degree to which information is written down, standardized, and structured
    • Tacit Knowledge is less codified and more implicit,subjective, personal, and difficult to articulate
    • Explicit Knowledge is more formalized, structured, and easily communicated
      
• Diffusion Axis
  • Represents the extent information is diffused or widely shared within an organization or network
  • Range is the degree to which information is localized, shared, and made accessible
    • Local Knowledge is held by a few individuals or groups, limited in scope and distribution
    • Global Knowledge is widely disseminated and shared

Information landscape into four quadrants

• • Zone of Certainty (High Codification, High Diffusion)
    • Well-established, standardized knowledge that is accessible to many
    • Textbooks, manuals, and widely accepted best practices
  • Zone of Ambiguity (Low Codification, High Diffusion)
    • Informal, experiential knowledge that is difficult to formalize
    • Shared experiences, stories, and narratives.
  • Zone of Complexity (High Codification, Low Diffusion)
    • Specialized knowledge, technical documents, or proprietary information
    • Accessible to a limited audience
  • Zone of Ignorance (Low Codification, Low Diffusion)
    • Information in this quadrant is neither highly codified nor widely shared
    • May represent undiscovered or overlooked knowledge

2D diagram: Codification (x-axis) & Abstraction (y-axis)

• Abstraction Axis
  • Represents the extent knowledge varies in generalizability,applicability of concepts across various contexts, and distance from specific, real-world instances
  • Range is the degree to which knowledge answers the Why question requiring more effort to understand to answering the What & How questions that can be readily applied
    • Abstract Knowledge is highly conceptual and involves theories, models, and principles that guide decision-making and problem-solving
    • Concrete Knowledge is specific, tangible, and grounded in real-world experiences involving facts, data, and specific procedures or practices

Zone of Acceptable Abstraction

• • See Importance of Silos for discussion