Knowledge Creation and Conversion in Military Organizations: How the SECI Model is Applied Within Armed Forces

Andrzej Lis

doi:10.7341/20141012

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to analyze the knowledge creation and conversion processes in military organizations using the SECI model as a framework. First of all, knowledge creation activities in military organizations are identified and categorized. Then, knowledge socialization, externalization, combination and internalization processes are analyzed. The paper studies methods, techniques and tools applied by NATO and the U.S. Army to support the aforementioned processes. As regards the issue of knowledge socialization, counseling, coaching, mentoring and communities of practice are discussed. Lessons Learned systems and After Action Reviews illustrate the military approaches to knowledge externalization. Producing doctrines in the process of operational standardization is presented as a solution used by the military to combine knowledge in order to codify it. Finally, knowledge internalization through training and education is explored.

Highlights

Discussing dynamic organizational capabilities in the military context, Nonaka (2012, p. 19-30) develops the concept of wise leadership
58 / Knowledge Creation and Conversion in Military Organizations: How the SECI Model is Applied Within Armed Forces
The paper contributes to the knowledge management special issue of the Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Innovation through exploring the relationships between the theory of knowledge conversion and the learning practices applied in military organizations

Summary

Introduction

Discussing dynamic organizational capabilities in the military context, Nonaka (2012, p. 19-30) develops the concept of wise (phronetic) leadership. The concept is based on his seminal model of organizational knowledge creation (SECI model) explaining the processes of knowledge socialization, externalization, combination and internalization (Nonaka, 1991; Nonaka and Takeuchi, 1995). Nonaka claims that the conversion between tacit knowledge and explicit knowledge integrates organizational creativity and efficiency. 58 / Knowledge Creation and Conversion in Military Organizations: How the SECI Model is Applied Within Armed Forces. Nonaka and Konno (1998) identify the four types of Ba: originating, interacting, cyber and exercising. Representing the knowledge socialization phase, originating Ba is characterized by face-to-face relationships of individuals who “share feelings, emotions, experiences, and mental models”. Interacting Ba supports the conversion of knowledge from tacit to explicit (externalization) through sharing and analyzing mental models of other people.

Objectives

Conclusion