Knowledge and knowledge management’s essence lies in the assumption that the most appropriate knowledge and insight enable frontline workers and managers to systematically achieve better results. Such assumptions lead to extensive research and implementation, ultimately geared toward greater organization profitability. However, the mere existence of knowledge and implementation does not necessarily translate into greater effectiveness and efficiency. It is important to point out that knowledge and knowledge management has to be strategically designed and implemented to achieve the greatest possible effectiveness and efficiency. Hence leading to the issue of pragmatism.
Pragmatism essentially refers to the initiatives that enforce the most vital aspect of knowledge management; practicality. Pragmatism is originally a philosophical concept referring to logic and its applications in philosophy and other disciplines. Regarding business and its respective subcategories, pragmatism is a rather fundamental concept that refers to the application of practical measures geared toward actual real-life implementation and benefits to the given organization. Though it appears that such an explanation is a simplification of pragmatism, the real-world applications are rather simple. In its basic form, pragmatism is finding the best solution to real-world problems in business by utilizing research, implementation, and testing to achieve a practical solution. Though research and implementation have been used for a long time, the real difference in pragmatism is the testing to find the most viable solution. However, one has to differentiate between the most obvious forms of knowledge.
Insight knowledge refers to personal experimental learning, which occurs by trial and error. In this particular approach, knowledge creation occurs because of stakeholders’ personal or professional interest in improving upon the most pressing weaknesses that are noticed. Insight knowledge is abstract because it depends on individuals’ interests. On the other hand, external units such as educational institutions and training organizations create and maintain outside knowledge. This particular branch of knowledge is more easily associated with academic aspects such as theories and established norms.
The ultimate goal of either one of those knowledge concepts is to understand that knowledge and learning can be subjective and objective, yet independent from its form or origin, it can contribute to organizational standing. Similarly, such understanding of knowledge creation or the desire thereof may enable creative input not only based on traditional wisdom but also in non – traditional and abstract ways that may be beneficial and address untraditional concerns.
Independent from any previously discussed sub-topic, it is important to emphasize that all knowledge creation, maintenance, and sharing phases require constant monitoring and quality assurance. Though many facets of business require quality assurance, knowledge management and distribution require a particular rigid approach due to knowledge’s dynamic and ever-changing nature and its respective subcategories.
Ultimately, pragmatism and its respective application in business depend on one major factor i.e., testing. Unlike other theories and methodologies, the assumption is that testing will allow the stakeholders to measure results and adjust their respective strategic measures and implementation to improve final results.
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