Bridging the Knowing-Doing Gap with Science & AI
Published
7 March 2025
The Challenge: Knowledge Without Action
In today's fast-paced workplace, organizations invest heavily in training and development programs. Yet despite these investments, a persistent challenge remains—the knowing-doing gap. Studies show that less than 20% of the knowledge acquired during classroom or online trainings gets converted into on the job actions. This gap doesn't stem from a lack of intent or understanding, but rather from several behavioral barriers that prevent the application of learning.
Traditional learning methods often fail to address behavioral barriers these challenges effectively, leaving organizations wondering: How can we ensure that training leads to real, measurable behavior change?
Enter Behavioral Science and Nudgeable AI
The answer lies in behavioral science-backed nudging strategies, and this is precisely where Nudgeable AI comes in. By leveraging micro-actions, spaced practice, and behavioral triggers, Nudgeable AI helps employees apply their learning in real-time, effectively closing the knowing-doing gap.
Understanding the Science of the Knowing Doing Gap
To address this challenge, we need to understand its root causes. The COM-B framework (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation - Behavior) highlights key barriers that prevent employees from taking action after training. Additionally, the Forgetting Curve demonstrates how knowledge rapidly decays over time when not reinforced.
The combination of these two insights explains why traditional training often fails to create lasting behavior change:
1. The Capability Barrier: I dont know what I need to do exactly
Employees often lack clarity on how to implement this knowledge as often classroom knowledge covers theoretical frameworks and concepts which are not easy to implement.
The Problem: During training sessions, complicated and theoretical knowledge is shared in the form of frameworks and models which are not easy to implement in real life.
The Solution: Nudgeable AI provides Micro-Actions, breaking down learning into small, actionable steps. Each micro-action follows a structured What-How-Why design to make application of knowledge feel easy.
2. The Motivation Barrier: I dont feel motivated to take these actions
People need compelling reasons to act, and traditional training often lacks mechanisms to generate intrinsic motivation.
The Solution: Nudgeable AI integrates behavioral insights such as:
Voluntary participation: To counter reactance, employees are given a choice to participate in their developmental journey. Since development cannot be mandated, allowing employees to decline any action gives them a sense of control, making them more likely to engage.
Autonomy: Users can choose the actions they prefer. This creates a feeling of ownership toward their development.
Pre-commitment: During onboarding, users commit to the number of actions they plan to take each week, increasing the likelihood they'll follow through.
Accountability Buddy: Users can select accountability partners who have access to their progress data. These buddies can provide encouragement or hold them accountable when they observe gaps.
3. The Opportunity Barrier: I forget about these actions
Without reinforcement, knowledge fades due to the forgetting curve.
The Solution: Nudgeable AI utilizes Spaced Practice, a scientifically proven method to retain information by reinforcing learning at intervals over time.
Instead of relying on a single training event, Nudgeable delivers weekly practice nudges.
These small, context-relevant reminders reinforce key learnings, preventing knowledge decay.
Over time, repeated exposure ensures higher retention and real-world application.
How Nudgeable AI Solves the Knowing Doing Gap
Unlike traditional learning management systems (LMS) that focus primarily on knowledge transfer, Nudgeable AI is specifically designed for behavior change. By tackling the barriers to action and combating the forgetting curve, it ensures that training leads to tangible workplace improvements.
Here's how Nudgeable AI bridges the gap:
Breaks knowledge into micro-actions for easy application in daily work
Uses behavioral science insights to drive motivation and accountability
Combats the forgetting curve with spaced practice
Repeat actions to turn them into habits, leading to sustained behavior change
For organizations struggling to convert training investments into measurable outcomes, Nudgeable AI provides the missing piece. It turns learning into action, action into habits, and habits into long-term business impact.
Ready to Bridge the Knowing Doing Gap in Your Organization?
Transform your training initiatives from knowledge accumulation exercises to catalysts for real behavioral change. Contact us today at team@nudgeab.ai to learn how Nudgeable AI can help your organization close the knowing-doing gap.
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