Abstract
This paper argues that it is possible (and recommendable) to develop a new conceptual frame-work based on the tradition of philosophical hermeneutics to address what one could call “the human factor” within knowledge creation in organisations. This is done firstly through a review of the epistemological roots of three main theories of knowledge creation in organisations (systemic theory, complexity theory, and social constructionism). We examine these theories along two axes: a) their understanding of the relation between person and language, and b) the controllability of knowledge creation. Secondly, we restate the question of knowledge creation in organisations from the perspective of philosophical hermeneutics, arguing that knowledge creation takes place as an event in language, that is as an uncontrollable process which nonetheless requires courage, trust, and persistence and thereby requires that certain “ethical actions” should happen. This, finally, leads us to develop a model for knowledge creation called LUGS, which insists on the intrinsic relation between epistemology and practice, i.e. between what people come to know and how they decide to be — and it is this intrinsic relation between knowledge and being that we take as the “message” of this article.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Alexander Serenko, Nick Bontis, Lorne Booker, Khaled Sadeddin and Timothy Hardie ‘A scientometric analysis of knowledge management and intellectual capital academic literature (1994–2008)‘ Journal of Knowledge Management 14 no 1 (2010) pp 3–23
Georg von Krogh, Kazuo Ichijo and Ikujiro Nonaka Enabling knowledge creation: how to unlock the mystery of tacit knowledge and release the power of innovation Oxford, Oxford University Press 2000; Ikujiro Nonaka, Ryoko Toyama and Toru Hirata Managing Flow: A Process Theory of the Knowledge-Based Firm Hampshire and New York, NY, Palgrave Macmillan 2008; Peter Heisig ‘Harmonisation of knowledge management — comparing 160 KM frameworks around the globe’ Journal of Knowledge Management 13 no 4 (2009) pp 4–31
Peter Heisig ‘Harmonisation of knowledge management — comparing 160 KM frameworks around the globe’ Journal of Knowledge Management 13 no 4 (2009) pp 4–31
Karim Moustaghfir and Giovanni Schiuma ‘Knowledge, learning, and innovation: research and perspectives’ Journal of Knowledge Management 17 no 4 (2013) pp 495–510
Ikujiro Nonaka and Hiro Takeuchi The knowledge-creating company: how japanese companies create the dynamics of innovation Oxford, Oxford University Press 1995; Georg von Krogh ‘Care in knowledge creation’ California Management Review 40 no 3 (1998) pp 133–153
Georg von Krogh and Johan Roos Organisational epistemology New York, St. Martin’s Press 1995
Ikujiro Nonaka and Hiro Takeuchi The knowledge-creating company: how japanese companies create the dynamics of innovation Oxford, Oxford University Press 1995
Ibid.; Ikujiro Nonaka and Noburo Konno ‘The concept of “ba”: Building a foundation for knowledge creation’ California Management Review 40 no 3 (1998) pp 40–54
Douglas Griffin, Patricia Shaw and Ralph Stacey ‘Knowing and acting in conditions of uncertainty: A complexity perspective’ Systemic Practice and Action Research 12 no 3 (1999) pp 295–309
Ibid.
Ilya Prigogine Order Out of Chaos: Man’s New Dialogue with Nature New York, The Free Press 1997
George Herbert Mead and Charles W. Morris Mind, self & society: from the standpoint of a social behaviorist Chicago, University of Chicago Press 1934
Ralph D. Stacey Complex responsive processes in organisations: learning and knowledge creation London, Routledge 2001; Ralph D. Stacey Complexity and group processes: a radically social understanding of individuals Hove, Routledge 2003; Ralph D. Stacey Strategic management and organisational dynamics: the challenge of complexity to ways of thinking about organisations Harlow, England, Financial Times Prentice Hall 2011
Kenneth J. Gergen Realities and relationships: soundings in social construction London, Harvard University Press 1994
W. Barnett Pearce and Vernon E. Cronen Communication, action, and meaning: the creation of social realities New York, N.Y., Praeger 1980
David L. Cooperrider Appreciative inquiry Williston, VT, Berrett Koehler Communications 1999
Hans-Georg Gadamer Truth and method London, Sheed & Ward and The Crossroad Publishing Company 1975
Günter Figal Der Sinn des Verstehens: Beiträge zur hermeneutischen Philosophie Stuttgart, P. Reclam 1996; Jean Grondin ‘Gadamer’s Basic Understanding of Understanding’ in Dostal (ed) Cambridge companions to philosophy pp 36–51 Cambridge, Cambridge University Press 2002; Jean Grondin The philosophy of Gadamer Chesham, Acumen 2003; Udo Tietz Hans-Georg Gadamer zur Einführung Hamburg, Junius Verlag 2005
Hans-Georg Gadamer Truth and method London, Sheed & Ward and The Crossroad Publishing Company 1975
Martin Heidegger Being and time Oxford, Blackwell 2001
Hans-Georg Gadamer Truth and method London, Sheed & Ward and The Crossroad Publishing Company 1975
Donald A. Schön The reflective practitioner: how professionals think in action New York, Basic Books 1983
Ikujiro Nonaka and Noburo Konno ‘The concept of “ba”: Building a foundation for knowledge creation’ California Management Review 40 no 3 (1998) pp 40–54
Hans-Georg Gadamer Truth and method London, Sheed & Ward and The Crossroad Publishing Company 1975
Ibid.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Frølund, L., Ziethen, M. The Hermeneutics of Knowledge Creation in Organisations. Philos. of Manag. 13, 33–49 (2014). https://doi.org/10.5840/pom201413316
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5840/pom201413316