“Knowledge Is Power” is a catchy phrase often used to inspire students and stress the value of studying diligently. However, this doesn’t mean that knowledge alone equals power. While knowledge plays a critical role in utilizing power, we also need the willingness and ability to put that knowledge into action. In this article, I’ll explore the true connection between knowledge and power, as well as the numerous advantages of being knowledgeable. Additionally, I’ll discuss why we often fail to capitalize on our knowledge when exercising power, both individually and organizationally. Finally, I’ll highlight the significance of sharing knowledge to boost organizational growth and solidify long-lasting business partnerships.
What Is The Relationship Between Power And Knowledge?
Power and knowledge are interlinked in a complementary relationship. Knowledge begets power, providing individuals with the tools they need to navigate life more effectively. Now, knowledge can provide benefits by itself, but ideally knowledge is something to act on. Power, on the other hand, needs knowledge to achieve the ideal results. Indeed, power provides the energy to apply knowledge, thereby leading to more informed decisions and better outcomes. However, it’s important to note that the possession of knowledge alone does not automatically translate to power; it’s the application of that knowledge that truly matters.
To better understand the relationship between power and knowledge, below is the definition of power.
Key Definitions Related To Power And Knowledge
First, the definition of power. Also, a closely related term, authority.
Power: “ability to act or produce an effect; possession of control, authority, or influence over others”
Merriam-Webster
Authority: Normally authority is thought of as a formal and legal right to exercise power. Further, authority is based on at least on the predicate of perceived legitimacy.
Wikipedia
Next, below are the definitions of knowledge and its associated terms, understanding and meaning.
Knowledge: “understanding of or information about a subject that you get by experience or study”
Understand: “to know the meaning of something”
Meaning: “The meaning of something is what it expresses or represents; importance or value”
Dictionary
So to sum it up, an authority can use its power without knowledge, but it is at its own peril and at the detriment of the people it impacts. On the other hand, knowledge does not necessarily translate into power. Further when knowledge equates to information and meaning for a given situation, power is much more effective. For instance, when knowledge equates to meaning, this gives you and your organization a purpose to act and exercise power effectively. Additionally when knowledge equates to information, this gives you the ability to make informed decisions and use your power decisively.
The Many Personal Benefits Of Knowledge.
Knowledge offers numerous personal benefits. It enhances our understanding of the world, fuels our curiosity, and empowers us to make informed decisions. It also improves our problem-solving skills, promotes self-confidence, and provides a sense of accomplishment. However, these benefits are not automatically conferred by knowledge itself, but rather, they come from how we use and apply this knowledge in our daily lives. Below are 6 examples of the advantages of acquiring knowledge.
- Makes You An Aware Person. Knowledge opens your eyes to the world around you. You are no longer ignorant. It makes you a more aware individual who understands the dynamics of what is going on around you.
- Enables You To Make Right Choices. Possessing knowledge aids in decision-making, empowering you to choose what’s best for you and others.
- Builds Confidence To Act In A Given Situation. With knowledge about a specific subject, you gain the confidence to act aptly in regard to that subject or situation. You can navigate challenges without being overinfluenced by others or blindly reacting to situations.
- Promotes Self-Esteem That Gives You Assurance To Act In Any Situation. Knowledge fosters self-esteem, giving you the assurance and courage to face any situation with poise.
- Makes You Curious To Acquire More Knowledge. The more knowledge you have, the more curious you become, fostering a lifelong passion for learning. Thus, you gain expertise and become more knowledgeable in your field of study.
- Enables You To Influence Others. Knowledge grants you the power to influence others, shaping their thoughts and actions with your insights and understanding.
For more information on the benefits of knowledge with or without power, see Reliable Software’s Knowledge is Power.
Knowledge Is Power Only If It Can Be Acted On.
Knowledge holds potential power, but this power can only be realized when it is put into action. Without action, knowledge remains a dormant tool, its power untapped. When we act on our knowledge, we transform it from a static concept into a dynamic force that can effect change, drive progress, and bring about meaningful results.
Now there is a famous quote attributed to Sir Francis. It is a Latin phrase “scientia potentia est” which literally translates into “for also knowledge itself is power.” Over time, the phrase was abbreviated to the shorter version we are familiar with today: “knowledge is power.” Now, this quote is normally used to promote a lifestyle of ongoing education and personal growth. However, it is fairly obvious that knowledge is a key ingredient of power, not power itself. In fact without knowledge, a person will more than likely not retain their power very long. Further, knowledge without action is just a source of untapped energy.
“Action is the real measure of intelligence.”
Napoleon Hill
For more discussion on knowledge, power, and action, see Rhapsody Stategies’ Knowledge is power… Or is it?
Turning Knowledge Into Action: What’s Preventing Us?
There are many barriers that prevent us from turning knowledge into action. These can include fear of failure, lack of motivation, procrastination, and sometimes, an overwhelming amount of information. Breaking these barriers requires a shift in mindset, a strong will, and a commitment to applying our knowledge despite the challenges we may face. In fact, we can have perfect knowledge, but then do absolutely nothing with it. Below is a great list from David Gurteen on reasons why we and organizations do not act on our knowledge:
- choose to ignore it.
- not accept it as true
- not understand it
- be biased against it
- not appreciate its relevance
- be too busy to act on it
- has no confidence or courage to act on it
- not have the political skills to influence or persuade senior management to take you seriously
- does not have the budget or other resources to put the knowledge into action
- not have the leadership skills to act on it
- not have the collaborative skills to work with other people
So in regard to power, knowledge is useless unless acted on. You must have both the motivation and the ability to use that knowledge. Also, you need to take responsibility for your knowledge and influence others who have the authority to act on that knowledge. For more discussion on the impediments of applying knowledge, see Conversational Leadership’s Knowledge Is Not Power: Our ability to influence people is power.
Going Beyond Knowledge Is Power: Empower People And Successful Relationships By Sharing Knowledge.
Sharing knowledge is a powerful way to empower others and build successful relationships. When we share what we know, we not only contribute to others’ growth but also foster a culture of learning, transparency, and collaboration. This can strengthen relationships, enhance mutual respect, and create a more connected community. After all, knowledge shared is power multiplied. Below are two examples within business on empowering people and partner relationships.
1. Foster Powerful Business Partnerships By Sharing Knowledge During Negotiations.
Having unique knowledge and experience does offer a company a competitive advantage. However, especially in negotiations, not sharing knowledge can be counter-productive. For example, many negotiations experts state that a company should not share their Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement (BATNA) or their Zone Of Possible Agreement (ZOPA) with the other party. This may be a good adversarial negotiation technique, but it lacks transparency.
On the other hand, sharing knowledge increases trust by being transparent. Further, sharing knowledge helps to eliminate the guesswork where both companies can make the best decisions. Lastly, sharing knowledge is the basis for a long-term relationship, creates value for both parties instead of just trying to extract value from a partner. For more details, see Kate Vitasek’ article, Knowledge Is Power—And Why You Should Share It.
2. Empower People And Organizations By Sharing Knowledge.
In some companies, management or certain departments may think it is in their best interest not to share knowledge. There may be merits for this in some cases, but in most cases this lack of knowledge sharing hurts the organization. To illustrate, I like Tracy Brower’s concept of information density. She says,
“Information density describes a situation where many people in a company know many important things. They know them in the moment—in real-time when it counts most to inform their decision making. The information-dense company is one in which people are informed and in which there is a level of radical transparency.”
Now, this information density concept does not mean sharing everything with everyone. Indeed, this would result in information overload. Worse, people would spend too much of their time reading useless information not relevant to their job responsibilities. What is needed is for management to encourage dialog and transparency within the organization. The goal is to get timely information to the right persons at the right time to make the best decision, and then take action.
For a more detailed discussion of empowering organization by sharing knowledge, see Tracy Brower’s article, Knowledge Is Power, But Not In The Way You Think.
For more from Unvarnished Facts, see latest articles on politics, decision-making, and learning.
Writer and expert in supply chain technology and operational analytics. Passionate about giving actionable insights on information technology, business, innovation, creativity, and life in general.