Technology Development and Technology Management Explaining Knowledge Creation Using Structuration Theory

Abstract

Knowledge creation is a social process within which both knowledgeable agents and social structure play significant roles. Nonaka and Takeuchi, and the former with other co-writers, have proposed the theory to explain this process in which tacit and explicit knowledge are transferred and converted through the processes of socialization, externalization, combination, and internalization (SECI model). These processes occur under certain organizational context, which they calls ba . Nonaka and Takeuchi did not construct their theory based on structuration theory, however, the latter must also be able to explain knowledge creation, because knowledge creation is a social process in which people interact with each other to exchange knowledge and ideas. By using two theories to explain the same phenomena, we can reveal aspects, which are hidden if only one theory is used. Whether the results are in conflict or complement each other, this enterprise will allow us to enrich each theory we use. The possible contribution to structuration theory is as follow. After analyzing the case study, we propose that knowledge should be explicitly included in the resources, in addition to allocate and authoritative resources. Moreover, to knowledge creation theory, the concept of ba can be replaced by structure, because structure consists of more detailed social dimensions that may affect knowledge creation. However, knowledge should be included as part of the structure