Using critical KM to address wicked problems

ABSTRACT

Today, knowledge management (KM) is mainly directed towards solving tame organisational problems. But I argue, in this personal essay, that KM can move beyond organisational boundaries to address the “wicked” social problems impacting our globe. As KM researchers and practitioners, we need to reconceptualise KM as a technology for improving society. Through problem-driven research, we can use the critical voice of KM to expose and tackle issues of substance. While it is essential to improve organisational efficiencies and manage knowledge inside companies, it should not be at the expense of society. By understanding the impacts KM can have on improving society, not just organisations, researchers, practitioners and policymakers can replace communities of practice with collaborative organisational coalitions to help address the wicked problems.

KEYWORDS:

• Critical knowledge management
• wicked problems
• tame problems
• social sustainability
• problem-driven research
• collaborative organisational coalitions

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.