Development Of Nonaka's Thought: A Critical Review

Abstract

By focusing upon Nonaka's thought in his theory of knowledge creation, this paper presents relevant literature with critical evaluation and describes the dual nature of human knowledge (implicit and explicit). By the definition of Polanyi, explicit knowledge becomes the focus of attention, covering human skills and experiences. We infer that human values and human knowledge are inseparable companions. This leads us to re-examine the conversion of knowledge. Thus, epistemology and knowledge conversion came into the purview of organizational knowledge creation theory, where Nonaka made an unprecedented contribution. Different research papers of Nonaka, along with the book 'The Knowledge-Creating Company' have been used as a main source for this study along with the rich insights of other KM scholarship. This study will help in understanding the evolution of Nonaka's thought as well as the evolving path taken by the organizational knowledge creation theory, especially with reference to Nonaka's contribution.