The role of boundaries in knowledge processes

Merali, Y

Abstract

Advances in communications and information technology deliver an increasingly dynamic and interconnected competitive context. To survive and prosper in this environment, organisations must be innovative and adaptive. Intellectual and relational capital comprise key resources for competitive success. This paper concerns the knowledge processes that enable organisations to undergo transformational change in an interconnected world whilst retaining the integrity of their organisational identity. It views organisations
as complex adaptive systems, and uses a case study example to demonstrate the importance of boundary phenomenology in defining organisational knowledge processes. The underlying conceptual framework draws on Maturana and Varela’s concept of autopoietic unity as a metaphor to explore issues of organisational
identity and integrity, and uses Merali’s Cognitive Congruence Framework to examine the cognitive infrastructures underpinning adaptive behaviour. The discussion reflects on the implications of this work for knowledge management practice in emergent competitive contexts, and in concluding, advocates active boundary management.

Citation

Merali, Y. (2002). The role of boundaries in knowledge processes. European Journal of Information Systems, 11(1), 47-60. https://doi.org/10.1057/palgrave/ejis/3000413

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Online Publication Date: Dec 19, 2017
• Publication Date: 2002-03
• Deposit Date: Oct 18, 2019
• Journal: European Journal of Information Systems
• Print ISSN: 0960-085X
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 11
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 47-60
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/palgrave/ejis/3000413
• Keywords: Library and Information Sciences; Information Systems
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/2956977
• Publisher URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1057/palgrave.ejis.3000413