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Wisdom as Knowledge Management’s Perfect Solution: a Word of Caution

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Abstract

The management of “wisdom” has been mooted in knowledge management (KM) theory mostly in relation to what is known as the “knowledge hierarchy”. We argue that there are unquestioned assumptions inherent in KM leading to wisdom being included in KM theory because of rhetorical “urges” more than theoretical ones. These rhetorical urges impel a drive towards perfection that excludes more than is included. Our interrogation of the KM literature uncovers some of the questionable implications in understanding knowledge as a resource and an asset and of understanding wisdom as a pinnacle to a knowledge hierarchy. We urge caution regarding theorising of wisdom at the top of a hierarchy, as it should not be mooted as a perfect final solution to Knowledge Management. We suggest the theorising of wisdom be opened out to its fullest “poetic possibilities”, and that attempts to close off its meaning be resisted.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. AUT University in Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

    Grace Teo-Dixon (Lecturer)

  2. Massey University in Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

    Janet Sayers (Senior Lecturer)

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  1. Grace Teo-Dixon
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  2. Janet Sayers
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Correspondence to Grace Teo-Dixon.

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Teo-Dixon, G., Sayers, J. Wisdom as Knowledge Management’s Perfect Solution: a Word of Caution. Philos. of Manag. 10, 61–77 (2011). https://doi.org/10.5840/pom201110111

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