The regime of truth of knowledge management: the role of information systems in the production of tacit knowledge

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper makes a theoretical contribution to the tacit dimension of knowledge management (KM), focusing on the role of Information Systems (IS) in the production of tacit knowledge within knowledge-based firms. It argues that the crucial function of tacit knowledge in the creation of organisational knowledge comes from the way IS favour the adoption of shared mental models in order to create a culture dedicated to the intentions and goals of the organisation. Yet these intentions and goals determine the managerial framework for the creation, appropriation, storage, and eventual valorisation of the explicit knowledge assets of the firm. Thus, the paper aims to bridge the gap between the two main approaches to KM, which is based on the separation between tacit and explicit knowledge, according to which technologies help exclusively with managing the production of explicit knowledge. It thus draws the paths by which IS contribute to the creation of the tacit organisational background from which new organisational knowledge is elicited in accordance with the managers’ objectives.