Reflections on knowledge management from a critical systems perspective

This paper considers some significant aspects of knowledge management (KM) from a critical systems thinking (CST) point of view. CST prides itself on theoretical awareness and methodological sophistication, and these are the traits brought to bear in analysing the organisational models and well-known concepts used in KM. The results call into question the idea that the Japanese version of KM is best seen as resting upon an organic model and the notion that the Eastern tradition of thought has a monopoly on recognising the significance of tacit knowledge. The need for a prolonged dialectical debate between KM and CST is established.