Article Preview
TopKnowledge Creation Process
In this paper, we understand the knowledge process as various kinds of knowledge-related work that are carried out in the context of the project under investigation. The knowledge creation process (KCP) is the process of making tacit knowledge explicit (Nonaka et al., 2000).
Moreover, the dynamics of organizational knowledge creation are characterized by the knowledge creation spiral (Nonaka & Toyama, 2003). The spiral’s main characteristic is conversion between tacit and explicit knowledge—represented in a model with the basic steps of socialization, externalization, combination and internalization (SECI-model).
These kinds of models of KCP help one to understand the nature of knowledge creation and manage the KCP effectively. To do this, it is particularly important to understand individuals’ reflection on the KCP.
Definitions
In our framework, we adopt the following definitions:
- •
Reflection – Critical and thoughtful consideration of knowledge processes (Schön, 1983; Rodgers, 2002). This consideration is facilitated by applied knowledge creation theories and fundamental concepts from those theories.
- •
Meta-reflection – Reflection included in the perspective of the knowledge process and its inherent reflection (reflected reflection).
Reflection and meta-reflection are the essential parts of the method used in this paper. Moreover, reflection is understood as inquiry into processes otherwise considered intuitive or creative (Schön, 1983). These processes might be placed within the framework of reflective ‘conversation with the situation’, which can partially account for cases such as scientific investigation or engineering design.