Knowledge, Purpose and Process: Linking Knowledge Management and Innovation

There has been an explosion of interest in Knowledge Management [KM] theory and practice. However, it is argued here that much of this work fails to consider the purpose for which knowledge is ‘being managed’. In this paper, purpose is considered in terms of encouraging innovation. Given that innovation is a complex, episodic process, it would appear unlikely that a single set of tools and methodologies for managing knowledge would be appropriate across all episodes. Rather, it is proposed that different approaches to KM are likely to facilitate the management of knowledge during different episodes of the innovation process. Three approaches are outlined and illustrated using empirical material from a case study involving the implementation of technology. The analysis of the case highlights potential tensions and contradictions among KM practices for different innovation episodes. The paper concludes that careful consideration needs to be given to both purpose and process when introducing KM practices. Approaches to KM that are useful for some aspects of innovation may be useless, irrelevant or even disruptive for others.