Title: Creating germane knowledge in dynamic environments

Authors: Dag Von Lubitz, Nilmini Wickramasinghe

Addresses: MedSMART, Inc., Ann Arbor, MI 48904, USA; HH and GA Dow College of Health Professions, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48804, USA. ' Stuart Graduate School of Management, Illinois Institue of Technology, Chicago, IL 60661, USA

Abstract: Today|s dynamic business environment requires germane knowledge to ensure that organisations are prepared for the future and ready to meet sudden challenges. At present, knowledge creation techniques tend to focus on either human or technology aspects of organisational development. However, the complexity of a global business environment necessitates transformational rather than linear development of knowledge that is centred on a broad-based (holistic) knowledge creation approach. The paper discusses the concept of knowledge creation that underscores the significance of nonlinear, interdomain thinking based on fast extraction and processing of information derived from a rapidly changing operational environment.

Keywords: tacit knowledge; explicit knowledge; germane knowledge; knowledge spiral; knowledge creation; knowledge management; KM; OODA loop; competitive advantage; Information technology; communications; ICT; business management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIL.2006.009226

International Journal of Innovation and Learning, 2006 Vol.3 No.3, pp.326 - 347

Published online: 10 Mar 2006 *

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