Within this context, Fend (1999) sees the CKO as the chief knowledge manager, who is the designer, implementer, and overseer of an organizations knowledge infrastructure, including its libraries, knowledge bases, human resources, computer knowledge networks, research centers, and academic relationships. Operating within an open systems framework, Fend argues that a CKO must create a knowledge management infrastructure, build a knowledge culture, and manage results. However, there is substantial variability as to how this can be accomplished.
This paper attempts to contribute to the discussion by incorporating another element; diffusion of innovation theories. The purpose of this paper is to explore the acquisition and diffusion of information and knowledge within the context of an "organizational memory" within this open systems framework. The ultimate goal is to develop a model to help leaders and managers acquire and disseminate the most crucial, relevant information or knowledge to the people who need it in the timeliest manner possible by effectively using organizational memory.