Diagnosis for organizational knowledge creation: an ontological shift SECI model

Abstract

PurposeThis paper intends to propose an “ontological shift SECI model” as a tool to diagnose organizations in the context of knowledge creation, and thereby support the management of knowledge creation‐related projects.Design/methodology/approachThis research's hypothesis is based on existing knowledge creation theories and is tested using a case study methodology. The authors first examine the model in a completed project in order to test its validity and second, apply it in Company A's software project to demonstrate its feasibility and usefulness.FindingsIn any given project, knowledge creation activities occur in various ontological entities – individual, group, organization or social‐network. The diagnosis tool, which proved to be useful in this paper, traces such ontological shifts and makes visible all key activities of a knowledge creation project. These activities form an “ontological shift model” and trace an “activity map” which exposes underlying enablers and barriers, and provides viable solutions for improvement.Research limitations/implicationsTo carry out the analysis, the key activities identified in the knowledge creation‐related project have to be described in detail according to their ontological and epistemological dimensions. However, such description is complex and requires specialized expertise in knowledge creation and rich knowledge of the ongoing project.Practical implicationsThe tool proved useful for supporting project managers in diagnosing their project's knowledge creation shortcomings. When knowledge creation breakdowns occur in a project, the tool can act as a navigator and uncover alternatives to continue the knowledge‐creating spiral.Originality/valueKnowledge creation process is difficult to manage because of its cause ambiguity and intangibility. What is a knowledge creation activity? And why? This model makes explicit experienced managers' tacit solutions to knowledge creation problems. It can make organizational knowledge creation activities visible and therefore manageable for junior staff, outside consultants and even future software modeling.

Unifying Knowledge Creation Process Through Cascading Modes of Communication

“…However, such self-sustaining nature of knowledge processes remain un-explained. This is because the end of Boom-up, as explained in [6], is commonly accepted knowledge, typically forming the basis of an innovative product that exploits its commercial benefits. At the same time, Slip-down is explained as a detour that is to be overcome for assuming the Boom-up course of activities.…”

“…In a more recent development of SECI research [6], the distinction between Boom-up and Slip-down SECI processes is made. By foregrounding the ontological dimension for SECI, it is observed the barriers to be overcome are similar to the phenomenon in a boundary crossing activity along the hierarchy of an organization.…”

“…In [6], an ontological shift SECI model was presented. The case on point was analyzed by two major kinds of SECI processes with reference to an ontological structure (namely, the hierarchy of an organization and social network): Booming-up and Slip-down.…”

Human resource development programs for knowledge transfer and creation: the case of the Toyota Technical Development Corporation

“…Knowledge creation entities naturally shift from individual to inter-organization or social networks via group and organization systems and levels (Nonaka and Takeuchi, 1995;Wu et al, 2010). Individuals are presented with numerous opportunities to share their knowledge with other members of the organization (Reagans and McEvily, 2003).…”

<b>Management Principles for Knowledge Creation System: A Case Study </b>

“…Therefore, the authors presented a ontological shift model (OS model) in former research (Wu, Senoo, etl., 2010) [25], in order to diagnosis the feasibility of each creation activities in knowledge creation project. This model is capable to find out the systemic, consistent and holistic knowledge creation mechanism especially in ontological perspectives as Fig.1 Shows.…”