Title: Shared challenge for learning: dialogue between management and front-line workers in knowledge management

Authors: Heli Ahonen, Jaakko Virkkunen

Addresses: Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research, Department of Education, University of Helsinki, Box 47, FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland. Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research, Department of Education, University of Helsinki, Box 47, FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland

Abstract: Knowledge management is increasingly involved in the creation of new collective competencies. This calls for a new form of collaborative learning activity and dialogue between management|s and front-line workers| perspectives. Competence Laboratory is a new team-level knowledge management method aiming at promoting and supporting such learning and dialogue. The article describes the method, its theoretical foundations on the concepts of Cultural-Historical Activity Theory and the experimental use of the method in a telecommunications company. The analysis of the experiment focuses on the conditions for constructing a shared view of the pivotal challenge of learning and competence development between middle management and front-line workers.

Keywords: knowledge management; organisational learning; competence development; Activity Theory.

DOI: 10.1504/IJITM.2003.002449

International Journal of Information Technology and Management, 2003 Vol.2 No.1/2, pp.59-84

Published online: 18 Jul 2003 *

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