The Meaning of a Knowledge-based Organization in Swedish Municipal Elderly Care

Abstract

This article addresses the notion of the knowledge-base in a Swedish social services organization. The overall aim was to investigate the concept of a ‘knowledge-based organization in municipal elderly care’ as it was perceived by informants at different organizational levels and professional and political functions in the social services. The research questions concerned how different informants perceive, and to what extent they share, the meaning of a knowledge-based organization and to relate these perceptions to the organizational conditions for learning and knowledge use. The theoretical point of departure was the socio-cultural approach where the interaction between communication, cultural artifacts and actions are important ingredients. The results showed that there were different views on the meaning of knowledge-based elderly care, mainly related to professional functions and organizational levels. It is argued that these views have implications for organizational learning and change as well as formal training and education.