Article,
The dimensions of process knowledge
Knowledge and Process Management, 12 (1): 65--76 (2005)
Abstract
Many researchers are of the view that a firm's knowledge assets include
its structure, culture, processes, employees and physical artifacts.
The knowledge management (KM) literature has tended to emphasize
employee knowledge as a locus for KM efforts. While this viewpoint
is perfectly rational and justifiable, there is also a considerable
amount of knowledge embedded in the firm's operating procedures.
In this paper, we espouse viewing organizational knowledge from this
perspective and propose a framework to manage process knowledge.
Starting with a definition, classification of processes, and a characterization
of the knowledge generation process, we provide seven dimensions
by which process knowledge can be viewed: structure, personnel and
coordination, performance and tools, discourse, results, quality
and implications. They are intended to serve as a starting point
for managing process knowledge. The dimensions are illustrated with
several examples and implications of the framework are pointed out.
Copyright � 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
