KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND KNOWLEDGE LEADERS AS CHANGE AGENTS DURING TRANSFORMATION IN EMERGING KNOWLEDGE ORGANIZATIONS: A THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

Abstract

From a postmodern perspective, the organisational environment is significantly different because of the globalised technological advances that affect communication and knowledge. The commonality of most recent research indicates an emphasised focus on knowledge management (technical, human and communication components) and knowledge leaders to implement strategic integrated communication to ensure the sustainability of knowledge organizations. Knowledge management focuses on two main theoretical perspectives, namely human capital and knowledge based theory; and the theory on strategic integrated communication emphasizes that knowledge leaders should acknowledge the premises of the strategic intent of the emerging knowledge organizations through the management of information, innovation, creativity, cultural aspects, participation and inputs from the environment based on trust, loyalty, integrity and credibility. The research problem is that in spite of the tremendous research opportunities to examine these constructs, limited research has been conducted from emerging organizational and knowledge leadership perspectives, especially during change and transformation. This study seeks to address this gap and to enhance the field’s discussion with the main aim to critically review existing literature based on an interpretivist approach predominantly from a postmodern perspective and to propose a theoretical framework to indicate the interrelatedness of these concepts. The main findings will make recommendations for future research and/or perspectives which need to be considered by knowledge organizations to ensure long-term beneficial relationships with all stakeholders. The study hence sets out to research beyond the concepts itself and actually examine the theoretical implications and relevance thereof. From a postmodern perspective, the organisational environment is significantly different because of the globalised technological advances that affect communication and knowledge. The commonality of most recent research indicates an emphasised focus on knowledge management (technical, human and communication components) and knowledge leaders to implement strategic integrated communication to ensure the sustainability of knowledge organizations. Knowledge management focuses on two main theoretical perspectives, namely human capital and knowledge based theory; and the theory on strategic integrated communication emphasizes that knowledge leaders should acknowledge the premises of the strategic intent of the emerging knowledge organizations through the management of information, innovation, creativity, cultural aspects, participation and inputs from the environment based on trust, loyalty, integrity and credibility. The research problem is that in spite of the tremendous research opportunities to examine these constructs, limited research has been conducted from emerging organizational and knowledge leadership perspectives, especially during change and transformation. This study seeks to address this gap and to enhance the field’s discussion with the main aim to critically review existing literature based on an interpretivist approach predominantly from a postmodern perspective and to propose a theoretical framework to indicate the interrelatedness of these concepts. The main findings will make recommendations for future research and/or perspectives which need to be considered by knowledge organizations to ensure long-term beneficial relationships with all stakeholders. The study hence sets out to research beyond the concepts itself and actually examine the theoretical implications and relevance thereof.