Knowledge management, context and public policy: developing an analysis framework

In this chapter we explore the potential role of knowledge management in the development of environmental policy. We apply the seven C’s knowledge management model in the context of a very complex policy-making scenario, namely the potential eradication of the red fox in Tasmania. This endeavour needed to integrate science, community, government and other stakeholders to design and implement effective policy and we shall argue that adopting a knowledge management approach might have helped to integrate the stakeholders and improve outcomes. First, we outline the case study, identifying some of the critical challenges to policy development and implementation. Second, we identify why knowledge management needs to be more overtly considered in the role of policy making and the value of the seven C’s model in revealing where integration could usefully be used to improve outcomes. Third, we present a framework for analysing context that enables a systematic analysis of our case study. Fourth, we link the knowledge management model and the contextual framework together and apply them to the policy-making example. Lastly, we consider the lessons learned and how knowledge management and systematic contextual analysis can add value to the policy-making process.