Knowledge dynamics: a thermodynamics approach

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the knowledge dynamics process based on the energy metaphor and the thermodynamics framework. Knowledge dynamics is analyzed as a transformational process that goes beyond the Newtonian logic used to date. Design/methodology/approach The research design is based on metaphorical thinking, critical analysis of the mostly used knowledge metaphors to date, and the logic of thermodynamics, which is the science of energy transformation. Findings Knowledge is conceived as a field, composed of three fundamental forms: rational knowledge, emotional knowledge and spiritual knowledge. Each form of knowledge can be transformed into another form, thus generating an iterative and interactive dynamics. The unity of knowledge is supported by the brain’s organic structure. Practical implications Understanding knowledge dynamics as a transformational process helps managers in their problem-solving and implementation of strategies in their organizations. Knowledge dynamics is fundamental to the learning and unlearning processes, and for stimulating innovation. Knowledge dynamics, as a transformational process, is influencing both organizational behavior as well as consumers’ behavior. Originality/value The present research uses for the first time a thermodynamics approach in understanding and explaining the knowledge dynamics, which is a transformational process of three fundamental forms of knowledge: rational, emotional and spiritual.

COVID‐19 induced emergent knowledge strategies

“…All the new government regulations strengthening social distancing and isolation created a complex psychological climate dominated by emotions and humanistic values. The theories of knowledge fields and knowledge dynamics based on the energy metaphor and thermodynamics principles (Bratianu & Bejinaru, 2019; Bratianu & Bejinaru, 2020) can explain much better that psychological climate than classical knowledge management based on rational thinking.…”

Knowledge Translation in the Healthcare Sector. A Structured Literature Review

“…Most articles even do not define it. Again, there is a research opportunity, to sum up previous descriptions to reach a standard paradigm, or, at least, to summarise the main points beyond the metaphorical language used (Bratianu and Bejinaru, 2019)…”

“…A complete translation is necessary, recalling the idea of a foreign language which is translated into another language in a different environment Schiuma, 2017, 2018). The translation act recalls metaphorical thinking (Bratianu and Bejinaru, 2019;Lakoff and Johnson, 1999), as part of a mental process to understand and handle new knowledge and information (Pinker, 2007).…”

Public-private collaborations in a Dunkirk moment

“…Furthermore, "spiritual knowledge" in the form of shared value is critical in overcoming obstacles in the realization of these solutions. The learning process in the public-private collaboration thus is embedded in knowledge dynamics, in which knowledge is transformed from one field to another field (Bratianu & Bejinaru, 2020). This also explains the reality of the aforementioned path-dependent knowledge activation.…”

“…Exploiting existing knowledge held by heterogeneous collaborators ensures operational success, while the accompanying knowledge integration can modify conventionally held practices and/or assumptions so as to pave the ground for future collaborations. Such a learning process, being non-linear, can be best understood through the lens of knowledge dynamics in the thermodynamic framework of knowledge (Bratianu & Bejinaru, 2020;Bratianu & Andriessen, 2008). In any given case, "emotional knowledge" resulting from sense of community and sense of urgency transforms into "rational knowledge" so as to produce operational solutions.…”