Creating knowledge for sustainability: using SSM for describing knowledge environments and conceptualising technological interventions

Abstract

This paper proposes a sociology of knowledge approach as a basis of understanding the potential of knowledge management for a complex inter-organisational domain - the UK construction industry - with a specific aim of increasing sustainability of the processes and products of the industry. To this end, soft systems methodology is introduced as a method of conceptualising the industry's knowledge environment and moving towards technological interventions which enable a move towards sustainability in construction practice.