Toward a More Pragmatic Knowledge Management

Abstract

Managers often conceive knowledge management processes in ways that unduly limit its potential. Toyota has avoided falling into this narrow paradigm trap by creating its own version of knowledge management that is well suited to its culture. They have woven their knowledge management strategy together with process improvement and innovation methods. Toyota’s knowledge management system is a theoretically sound, yet practical, business approach built on a set of scientific principles based on a philosophy known as Pragmatism. This chapter examines how Pragmatic principles used by Toyota can achieve superior innovation results. The chapter concludes by explaining why the Pragmatic approach delivers superior performance at lower cost than conventional knowledge management methods.