A Pancha Kosha View of Knowledge Management

Abstract

Thus far Information Technology has grown mostly from the 'T' or Technology side of IT. The 'I' side of IT is steadily becoming more important The purpose of information support in any domain is essentially to enable individuals to perform their functions and tasks based on reliable and relevant knowledge. According to a holistic (integral) view supported by the major spiritual movements and religions of the world, the human being consists of the physical layer, emotional layer, intellectual layer, and spiritual layer. The objective existence of the spiritual layer is uncertain as yet, but at least it manifests itself in the forms of spiritual experiences, information and beliefs. We can see that each layer has its functions. To perform the functions effectively with discrimination and in a balanced manner, information and knowledge (external and internal) should be accessible to the individual. Another aspect is that each layer also generates information and knowledge, which can then be communicated and used. Such a model can be projected to apply to communities made up of individuals, as well. It is the spiritual layer which has been least studied in connection with information phenomena, and therefore this area needs special attention. This paper attempts to bring out that the ancient Indian Vedic view of Pancha Kosha, i.e. the five-layers view of conscious human existence, together with 'Knowledge Management' (KM) model to provide some deep insight into how people, process and technology can be integrated holistically with capacity to drive the information space in ways that sustain knowledge enabled wealth creation by organizations.