Title: Knowledge creation in Japan: towards bridging productive communities

Authors: Patrick Reinmoeller

Addresses: Strategic Management and Business Environment, RSM Erasmus University, Burg Oudlaan 50, T07–46, 3062 PA Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Abstract: This paper captures the consolidation of the growing field of knowledge management in Japan and the West by bibliometric analyses, showing the importance of knowledge creation theory as a holistic view for overcoming the organisational dilemma of how to create knowledge and exploit it at the same time. Inductively developing the concepts of common ground and complementary specialisation, the paper shows similarities and differences between productive research communities in Japan and the West. Deeply rooted in epistemological traditions, the complementary specialisation in research activities offers opportunities through better integration of productive communities and dynamic knowledge creation.

Keywords: knowledge creation; communities; common ground; complementary specialisation; Japan; knowledge management; organisational knowledge.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLIC.2006.010327

International Journal of Learning and Intellectual Capital, 2006 Vol.3 No.2, pp.130 - 142

Published online: 15 Jul 2006 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article