New Delhi, Nov 16 (NationPress) A significant transformation is occurring regarding the components of success—being quick to acquire knowledge is now a dominant factor in both professional and personal arenas. This is primarily because decision-making based on knowledge is essential for advancement in any sector.

The rapid dissemination of information across borders—immediately upon entering the public sphere—underscores the necessity for a global outlook to remain competitive, as rivals can emerge from any corner of the world. Staying well-informed is not a singular event; it is an ongoing process as information continually flows.

For instance, Dow Jones News World Wide updates every 30 seconds. The notion of ‘innocence is bliss’ is outdated; we live in an era where, as Frederik the Great aptly noted, ‘it is forgivable to lose but unacceptable to be taken by surprise.’ By definition, information is ‘data or facts that provide knowledge previously unknown’—and in any context, someone else may possess superior information, granting them a competitive edge. Effective decision-making hinges on having the right information at the right moment, distinguishing a ‘decision’ from a mere ‘guess’—and thus, determining success versus potential failure. Knowledge-driven decision making suggests that the right choices cannot be solely attributed to a leader's personal charm or their 'inheritance.'

Today’s successful individuals are typically information-savvy, sharing several common traits. They embrace new information, categorize what they encounter, possess a curiosity fueled by inquiry, and have a keen interest in human psychology and behavior, as all business activities involve human interactions. Moreover, they prefer credible sources over mere gossip. Such individuals have an innate ability to sift through information, adhering to Pareto’s principle—that a few significant elements often outweigh the many insignificant ones.

Proactively seeking information is essential, guided by the principle that ‘you must seek out information; it won’t come to you.’ They assume the information they seek is available and first explore what exists within their organization before extending their search to other sources, pursuing the What?, Why?, and Where? of information. In this age of social media, rife with misinformation and deepfakes, knowledgeable individuals take the time to fact-check or confirm information prior to acting. They avoid the trap of hoarding information for its own sake, preferring to act swiftly once they determine the amount of information is sufficient for decision-making.

If information is foundational for success, understanding how to enhance one’s knowledge is vital. It’s crucial to recognize that knowledge comes in ‘integral packages’ and that all components must be thoroughly comprehended. For instance, a teacher should not only be familiar with the curriculum but also well-versed in child psychology to be effective. Likewise, an employer should be knowledgeable about business operations and legal obligations regarding workplace safety for all employees.

Additionally, organizations should harness the ‘tacit knowledge’ that today’s employees possess. Often referred to as ‘knowledge workers,’ they should be encouraged to provide feedback about their roles, which requires a systematic approach by the leadership. It’s essential to acknowledge that ‘nobody knows everything, but everyone knows something.’ Orientation programs should be conducted to enhance members’ observational skills, as effective observation is a catalyst for knowledge expansion.

Albert Einstein’s famous quote, ‘imagination is more important than knowledge,’ serves as a reminder to comprehend the broader context behind the facts presented and not to ‘miss the wood for the trees.’ The 9/11 Commission in the US criticized the CIA for its lack of foresight concerning the available information regarding hijackers’ training in ‘take-off’ procedures without considering ‘landing’ aspects.

Prof. Walter Anders from Alabama University, in his discourse on The Political Economy of Terrorism, expressed that Americans struggled to grasp the concept of ‘suicide bombing,’ questioning how ‘rational individuals could meticulously plan and execute a scheme leading to their own demise.’ Furthermore, effective communication can be utilized proactively for knowledge enhancement. Feedback from employees should be designed intelligently, keeping the need for clarity in communication at the forefront.

Once a satisfactory level of knowledge is achieved, it’s imperative to determine when information collection should cease and decision-making should commence. Knowledge empowers decision-makers to transition from uncertainty to certainty. In today’s fast-paced environment, ‘time’ is emerging as a new ‘resource’ akin to money, labor, and equipment, as quicker execution provides a competitive edge. Removing ‘time stealers’—the delay between decision-making and communication to implementers or between communicated decisions and execution—enhances productivity and, consequently, profitability.

Understanding the competitive landscape, including the strengths and weaknesses of opponents, is especially crucial for businesses, encompassing political, legal, economic, socio-cultural, and technological aspects. The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications is rapidly contributing to cost-effectiveness via automation and overall improvements in corporate governance.

It is increasingly evident that gaining early insights into unrecognized needs, environmental factors, and trends positions organizations ahead of the curve. Reliable information that reveals ‘what lies ahead’—identifying risks and opportunities—is termed Intelligence. Critical business decisions often necessitate Intelligence, not just the openly accessible information available to others. All Intelligence is information, but not all information qualifies as Intelligence. Leading enterprises maintain an Intelligence Analysis division, often termed ‘Strategic Planning’ or ‘Market Analysis,’ to derive Intelligence through information analysis. AI-driven Data Analytics is facilitating this process. ‘Knowledge Workers’ are evolving into ‘Intelligence Innovators,’ employing AI agents to develop new business avenues, enhance customer engagement, and optimize inventory and supply chain management.

Since Intelligence represents ‘exclusive’ information reserved for the owning organization, it must be treated with confidentiality to maintain a competitive advantage. Consequently, the realm of ‘information security’ has grown increasingly vital in the corporate sector. The convergence of Vigilance and Security functions concerning ‘insider threat management’ is based on the assumption that a corrupt employee may be susceptible to adversary manipulation. Moreover, these functions are now viewed as integral to organizational operations rather than isolated responsibilities, as was previously the case. The Chief Vigilance-cum-Security Officer must possess an understanding of the organization’s processes, divisions, and personnel to effectively carry out their role, placing them among the most well-informed individuals within the organization.

(The author is a former Director of the Intelligence Bureau)