The management of knowledge : a model for the African Renaissance
Loading...
Authors
Velthuizen, Andreas Gerhardus
Issue Date
2007-06
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Knowledge Management , Knowledge management model , Indigenous African knowledge , Collective knowledge management , Political science , Epistemology , Philosophy of knowledge , Great Lakes region , Afrokology , African renaissance studies , Rwanda , Gacaca , Traditional African knowledge , Epistemology , Philosophy of knowledge , Uganda , Acholi culture , International Criminal Court , The Democratic Republic of the Congo , Trans-disciplinary studies , Strategic studies , Conflict studies , Peace studies
Alternative Title
Abstract
The study goes beyond knowledge existing in the literature study of the philosophy and
theory of knowledge, knowledge management, African knowledge and the management of
knowledge by African institutions, including the peace and security architecture of Africa, to
reveal a coherent conceptual framework and themes to guide the field research. During the
field studies of specific cases in the Great Lakes region of Africa, principles and practices
emerged that formed a framework for a constructed Trans-dimensional Knowledge
Management Model (TDKM-M) to develop a theoretical model for the management of
knowledge for conflict resolution as the first step towards the revival of Africa. The study
proposes practical solutions for the management of knowledge that would empower decisionmakers
to intervene successfully in conflict situations. Furthermore, the study serves to
expand the knowledge base in the field of trans-disciplinary African studies, transcending the
boundary between political science and epistemology to navigate the middle ground between
disciplines and the space that lies beyond all disciplines and dichotomised thinking towards a
new holistic understanding. A systems approach using MIT (multi-disciplinarity, interdisciplinarity
and trans-disciplinarity) and qualitative research methodology on a transnational
level was followed. The study consists of a literature study and a field study
consisting of a pilot study, semi-structured interviews and participation in communities of
practice to access the worldviews of diverse cultures. An observable knowledge dimension,
consisting of a normative foundation, empirical knowledge domain and analytical knowledge
domain, is identified. Furthermore, a tacit metaphysical knowledge dimension is identified
that is informed by the observable dimension. The two dimensions transacts with each other
to attain a higher level of trans-dimensional knowledge. The TDKM-M proposes principles
and practices of how trans-dimensional knowledge, including indigenous African knowledge
and external knowledge, can be managed in a collective middle ground to produce holistic
understanding. This higher level of understanding can activate intervention into the causes
and consequences of conflict. Innovation of African society could follow, achieving desired
outcomes such as peace, justice, human rights, self-empowerment and innovation towards
transformative growth, competitiveness and negotiate equilibrium with the global
community, and ultimately the revival of Africa.
Description
Citation
Velthuizen, Andreas Gerhardus (2007) The management of knowledge : a model for the African Renaissance, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/3336>