Critical systems thinking as a way to manage knowledge

Abstract

Abstract This paper is the first to introduce critical systems thinking into the present study of knowledge and its management. Our preliminary study showed two things about critical systems thinking. First, it provides comprehensive and creative insight into tackling the increasing complexity of human knowledge and knowledge management processes through the organic connection and division of knowledge systems. Second, it encourages the critical use of available methodologies in a coherent way to cope with corresponding subsystems or processes, which breaks down the complexity into convenient units. Based on critical systems thinking, we divided knowledge into two aspects: static substance knowledge and dynamic process knowledge. This division not only provides a concise theoretical framework but also allows knowledge managers and workers to clearly understand the gravity of their work and to selectively utilize well‐established methodologies in the practice of knowledge‐related activities. This paper serves as an introduction to an application of critical system thinking and total systems intervention in diversified human knowledge topics. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.