Glocalizing Nonaka’s knowledge creation model: Issues and challenges

Abstract

The main objective of this article is to explore the challenges for globalizing knowledge management theories. Adopting a practice-based view of knowledge and engaging critically with Nonaka's SECI (socialization, externalization, combination and internalization) model, the hidden behavioral assumptions and cultural values and meanings embedded within the model are revealed so as to provide a thought experiment to explain the organizational and inter-cultural dynamics that may disrupt its translation in overseas contexts. It is argued that a successful implementation of Nonaka's SECI model requires a 'glocalized' approach, which involves trade-offs between core underlying values and objectives during the process of local translation. This article contributes to current theories of knowledge management by revealing the underlying sources of cultural embeddedness and the implications for their global diffusion.

‘Pedagogy as Translation’: Extending the Horizons of Translation Theory

“…For instance, Risberg and Søderberg () present a historical account of how the concept ‘diversity management’, a notion originating from the USA and the UK, was translated and adapted into the Danish context, and contend that, to become accepted by local actors, concepts must be translated for the local context. A further example of forward‐oriented translation is Hong's () thought experiment on the adaptation of Nonaka's () knowledge creation model (SECI) for the cross‐cultural context, where Hong, like Risberg and Søderberg (), advocates the need for translation, if foreign models are to be accepted by local actors. We will return to Hong's contribution when we outline the theoretical basis of our pedagogic guide.…”

“…We construct a guide to rationally calculated translation (Røvik , , ; Hong ) by synthesizing some important themes and dimensions from translation theory with the cross‐cultural management learning literature (Currie ; Joy and Poonamallee ; Mellahi ; Örtenblad et al . ), along with literature on critical management education (Dehler et al .…”

Uncovering Knowledge Management Practices In Organizations

“…From a strategic business point of view, Wong (2000) avers that the resource based strategy paradigm emphasises distinctive company specific and thus hard to imitate assets, skills and knowledge. Furthermore, proponents of resource-based theory suggest that knowledge-based advantages are difficult to imitate when the reasons for superior performance cannot be identified or controlled (Dierick & Cool 1989;Lippman & Rumelt 1982).…”

Gestão do conhecimento na educação ambiental: estudo de casos em programas de educação ambiental em universidades brasileiras

“…Ela foi considerada a melhor universidade da América Latina e classificada dentre as 70 universidades com melhor reputação no planeta pela World University Rankings publicado pela revista Times Higher Education (AQ ONLINE, 2011;VEJA, 2012 Parte do reconhecimento da importância da gestão do conhecimento se deve a obra The Knowledge Creating Company, publicada em 1995 por Nonaka e Takeuchi. Dentre a literatura da gestão do conhecimento, a teoria da criação do conhecimento de Nonaka é uma das mais consolidadas atualmente (BRATIANU, 2010;HONG, 2011). Essa teoria parte do princípio de existência dos dois tipos de conhecimentos (explicito e tácito) apresentados por Polanyi (1983).…”