Abstract
The argument in this article is that knowledge is an important phenomenon to understand in order to discuss development and innovation in modern workplaces. Predominant theories on knowledge in organisation and innovation literature, we argue, are based on a dualist concept of knowledge. The arguments found in these theories argue for one type of knowledge in contrast to another. The most prevailing dualism is that between local and universal knowledge. We believe that arguing along this line does not bring us further in order to understand what knowledge is and what it does. We argue that there are contradictory arguments in the dualist conception of knowledge. We discuss how to move beyond this. We present a framework for discussing what knowledge is. We discuss what type of meta perspective will allow us to compare different knowledge kinds. We argue that insight into this has implications for understanding knowledge generation and innovation.
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An earlier version of this article has been presented as a paper at: 21st EGOS Collegium, June 30 to July 2, 2005, Berlin, Germany. Sub-theme 18: When Organization Studies Meet Economics: Alternative Philosophies of Knowledge Management and the Theory of the Firm. And a revised version was presented at the workshop: The Knowledge Economy: new directions in work organisation and regional innovation, Kingston University, London, September 1, 2006.
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Johnsen, H.C.G., Karlsen, J., Normann, R. et al. The contradictory nature of knowledge: a challenge for understanding innovation in a local context and workplace development and for doing action research. AI & Soc 23, 85–98 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00146-007-0159-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00146-007-0159-5