Managing Flow A Process Theory of the Knowledge-Based Firm

by Nonaka, Ikujiro; Kohlbacher, Florian; Hirata, Toru; Toyama, Ryoko

• ISBN13: 9780230553767
• ISBN10: 0230553761
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2008-08-15
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan

Summary

This book presents an ultimate theory of knowledge-based management and organizational knowledge creation based on empirical research and an extensive literature review. It covers the six essential building blocks of this theory using in-depth case studies of companies to illustrate each block.

Author Biography

Ikujiro Nonaka is Professor Emeritus in the Graduate School of International Corporate Strategy at Hitotsubashi University in Tokyo, Xerox Distinguished Faculty Scholar, University of California, Berkeley, and Distinguished Drucker Scholar in Residence at the Drucker Institute, Claremont Graduate University in Claremont, California. As originator of the Knowledge Creation Theory of the firm his research is centered on knowledge creation management to foster the next generation of business leaders Ryoko Toyama is Professor in the Chuo Graduate School of Strategic Management at Chuo University, and Visiting Professor in the Graduate School of Knowledge Science at the Japan Institute of Advanced Science and Technology. Her research is in the fields of strategy, technology management, and knowledge management Toru Hirata is Professor in the School of Economics and the Graduate School in Human and Socio-Environmental Studies at Kanazawa University. His research is in the field of Knowledge Management related to technology and intellectual property strategy

Table of Contents

List of Figures and Tables	p. vii
Foreword: From the Management of R&D to Knowledge Management	p. ix
Acknowledgements	p. xviii
Introduction: Why We Need a New Theory of the Knowledge-Based Firm	p. 1
The Characteristics of Knowledge	p. 6
Knowledge is subjective	p. 7
Knowledge is process-relational	p. 9
Knowledge is aesthetic	p. 12
Knowledge is created through practice	p. 13
Towards a process theory of the knowledge-based firm	p. 14
The Theoretical Framework	p. 18
The SECI model	p. 18
A dynamic model of knowledge as the creating process	p. 26
Leading the Knowledge-Creating Firm	p. 53
The abilities that constitute phronesis	p. 55
Exercising phronesis	p. 65
Conclusion	p. 66
Vision and Driving Objectives: Values for the Common Good	p. 70
Eisai Co., Ltd	p. 70
Honda Motor Co., Ltd	p. 87
Implications	p. 103
Ba	p. 107
Mayekawa Manufacturing Co., Ltd	p. 107
KUMON Institute of Education Co., Ltd	p. 120
Implications	p. 133
Dialogue and Practice: Leveraging Organizational Dialectics	p. 138
Seven-Eleven Japan Co., Ltd	p. 138
Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd - Muji	p. 156
Implications	p. 170
Dynamic Knowledge Assets in Process	p. 174
YKK Corporation	p. 174
JFE Steel Corporation	p. 185
Implications	p. 201
Leadership: Fostering Distributed Excellence in the Organization	p. 206
Canon Inc.	p. 207
Toyota Motor Corporation - Prius project	p. 220
Implications	p. 231
Conclusions	p. 241
New developments	p. 241
Future challenges	p. 244
Notes on Authors	p. 246
Index	p. 247
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