Definition
Isolated pockets of knowledge or data that aren't shared across an organization, creating inefficiency and redundancy. The natural state of every company despite expensive collaboration tools designed to prevent it.
Example Usage
Engineering built the same feature twice because sales and product live in separate information silos and never talk.
Origin
Information management terminology from the 1980s-90s
Fun Fact
Organizations spend millions on systems to break down silos, then recreate them through departmental politics within months.
Source: Knowledge management and organizational communication terminology
Related Terms
Translate This Term
See “information silo” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
Try the Translator