Patterns in the knowledge management discourse : an analysis of selected knowledge management theorists

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Knowledge management is a fragmented and ambiguous management practice. This isevident from the plethora of definitions available for this field. The premise of this study isthat different discourse patterns in knowledge management also contribute to the ambiguity.Four theoretical lenses describe the typical discourses that are associated with the formationof management practices, namely management innovation, umbrella construction,management fashion cycles and institutionalisation of management practice. The followingpropositions are indicative of the types of discourses involved – the rationale, businessoutcome, management niche, solution definitions and the means provided for the enactmentof the practice.The discourses of seven proponents were analysed according to the above, viz. Verna Allee,Nancy Dixon, Leif Edvinsson, Ikujiro Nonaka, Laurence Prusak, David Snowden andMathieu Weggeman. Three main patterns were identified based on the manner in which thediscourses associated with the four theoretical lenses manifest in the analysed discourses.These patterns represent three different conceptualisations of knowledge management,namely -(i) Knowledge management as a meta-practice framework: the focus is on the assimilationand synthesis of the various knowledge-based practices that are part of othermanagement practices (such as quality management), or practices that originate fromfluid initiatives in organisations (e.g. the role of the librarian transforming to become ainformation broker), or practices that are defined through systematic experimentation(such as the potential of social media for intelligence analysis).(ii) Knowledge management as a platform and catalyst for systemic management innovation:the quest is to define new approaches that are appropriate to manage organisations ascomplex knowledge-based systems. These approaches should supersede managementpractices still rooted in Newtonian or mechanistic thinking. Knowledge management isregarded to be a revolutionary practice that proposes, conceptualises and diffuses suchnew approaches, e.g. value network management (Verna Allee) and the Cynefinframework (David Snowden).(iii) Knowledge management as a master idea or master narrative: this knowledgemanagement discourse is about the theorisation of novel structural arrangements thatemerge in organisations as a response to the new requirements of a knowledge-driveneconomy. This theorisation influences the thinking, premises and practices of variousmanagement fields, such as strategic planning, human resource management andorganisational design.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University