The evolution of organizations and the development of appropriate knowledge structures

Abstract

Purpose Beginning from the premise that organizations go through different stages of development and that different types of knowledge exist, this paper seeks to explore the extent to which organizations need to place greater emphasis on ensuring adequate and relevant access to knowledge, while protecting it from unwarranted dissemination. Design/methodology/approach Using a stage of development framework, a conceptual argument is presented. It is suggested that, while significant attention is paid to knowledge management in organizations, of even greater importance is the need to develop systems and structures to support access, while protecting it from unwarranted dissemination and possible loss of critical capabilities and competencies. Findings The paper suggests that there is no single knowledge structure that is appropriate. Instead, organizations must develop different knowledge structures depending on the stage of the organization's development and the type of knowledge under consideration. In so doing, all efforts must be made to facilitate access to knowledge by those who require it but also to recognize that systems must be employed to prevent unwarranted access. Such unwarranted access may erode competencies and capabilities critical to organizational success. Originality/value The ideas reinforce the need for organizations to better understand what knowledge they possess and the need to balance requirements for access and control.

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