In this short paper, we discuss a dialectic methodology surrounding the interpretation of knowledge transfer, and the conditional elements which can be seen to support the concept of a unity of knowledge. We discuss a differing standpoint to knowledge and knowledge value, based on the knowledge transfer practitioner's perspective, but still in a business context. We ask why, if knowledge is vital for business success and competitive advantage, the transfer of knowledge is rarely a simple unproblematic event. Further, that the creation of knowledge before transfer is recognised as a significant factor in determining a starting point for analogous scrutiny, and often under a premise of doxastic attitude. This discussion therefore aims to synthesise current literature and research into an elemental epistemic principal of Figuration Dynamics, and in doing so, may help focus congruent knowledge transfer theories.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION.
2. DISCUSSION
3. DEDUCIBLE by INFERENCE
4. FIGURATIONAL TACTIC
5. KNOWLEDGE EXISTENCE
6. PROBLEMATIC CRITERIA
7. DIVERSITY
8. CONJECTURAL REMARKS
9. FIGURATIONAL PERSPECTIVE
10. CONCLUSION
Objectives & Key Themes
This paper examines the philosophical and theoretical challenges surrounding knowledge transfer within a business environment, arguing that current management literature lacks a consolidated definition of knowledge. The research aims to synthesize historical and contemporary perspectives, specifically advocating for the application of figurational sociology to better understand the social dynamics and interdependence involved in knowledge sharing processes.
- The lack of a coherent, universally accepted definition of knowledge in management.
- The role of individual experience and subjectivity in knowledge retention and transfer.
- The application of figurational sociology as a framework to overcome the agent-structure dichotomy.
- The necessity of epistemic principles to justify knowledge as a valuable organizational asset.
Excerpt from the Book
FIGURATIONAL TACTIC
An alternative perspective to this absorbent quandary is figurational sociology. Figurational sociology (process sociology) Elias (1897-1990), encompasses dynamic webs of human interaction, the emphasis being placed on people in the plural and how people are tied into social networks because of their interdependence with each other (Elias, 1978). The concept of a figuration allows this discussion to overcome some of the theoretical problems linked with traditional sociological terms and theories.
In particular, misleading dichotomies such as those between the individual and society, or, 'agent' and 'structure'. In this respect, Elias (1978), noted that it is not productive to consider the 'individual' and 'society' as two separate entities, instead, that these two concepts refer to 'inseparable levels of the same human world' (Murphy et al 2000, p. 92). In the context of this discussion , process agents are affected by the actions of other process agents, who are bounded together by management structures, overarched by expectant outcomes.
Chapter Summary
INTRODUCTION.: This chapter highlights the absence of a universally accepted definition of knowledge in management literature and discusses how subjectivity impacts knowledge transfer.
DISCUSSION: This section asserts that knowledge is the most valuable organizational asset despite the difficulty in quantifying it on a balance sheet.
DEDUCIBLE by INFERENCE: This chapter argues for the importance of understanding experiential reasoning and justification in the knowledge transfer schema.
FIGURATIONAL TACTIC: This chapter introduces figurational sociology to move beyond traditional dichotomies like agent and structure.
KNOWLEDGE EXISTENCE: This section explores the existential nature of knowledge, positing that it resides in the mind rather than existing as an independent, transferable material entity.
PROBLEMATIC CRITERIA: This chapter analyzes the philosophical confusion caused by defining knowledge as a set of routines and discusses how this view can be contradictory.
DIVERSITY: This section explores the variations and incongruities inherent in defining knowledge, focusing on basic and non-basic human beliefs.
CONJECTURAL REMARKS: This chapter bridges the discussion with Kantian philosophy, emphasizing the need for truth and justification in knowledge claims.
FIGURATIONAL PERSPECTIVE: This section discusses authority relations and interdependency as central dimensions of organizational knowledge transfer.
CONCLUSION: The paper summarizes that while no consolidated definition exists, a figurational approach offers a promising lens for future research into business practices.
Keywords
Knowledge, Knowledge transfer, Philosophy, Perspectives, Attitude, Figurational sociology, Epistemic principal, Business management, Organizational dynamics, Interdependence, Process agents, Justification, Subjectivity, Cognitive process
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this research paper?
The paper primarily investigates the dialectical methodology and philosophical foundations behind knowledge transfer, particularly why it remains an unproblematic event in theory but a complex one in practice.
What are the primary themes discussed in the work?
Key themes include the lack of a standardized definition of knowledge, the role of human subjectivity and experience, the integration of figurational sociology, and the epistemic requirements for knowledge to be considered valuable.
What is the central research aim or goal of the text?
The goal is to synthesize existing literature and propose a figurational approach to bridge the gap between organizational theory and the practical challenges of knowledge transfer.
Which scientific methodology is employed in the study?
The paper utilizes a theoretical and philosophical discussion, synthesizing historical and current sociological concepts to analyze business management theories.
What topics are covered in the main body of the text?
The body covers the nature of knowledge existence, the problematic criteria in defining knowledge, diversity in belief systems, and the application of figurational sociology to interdependency in organizations.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
The work is characterized by terms such as knowledge transfer, figurational sociology, epistemic principal, business context, and organizational interdependence.
How does the author define knowledge in the context of a business organization?
The author argues that knowledge cannot be treated as a transferable material object; instead, it is a subjective phenomenon rooted in individual experience and human interdependence.
Why does the author advocate for a 'figurational' approach?
The author suggests that a figurational approach is necessary to overcome the traditional, and often misleading, separation of individuals from the society or structures they inhabit, allowing for a more accurate analysis of how knowledge moves between people.
- Quote paper
- Michael Fascia (Author), 2016, Figuration Dynamics. Attributes within a Knowledge transfer Scenario, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/421147
