Organizational learning in Asia
Document Type
Book chapter
Source Publication
Handbook of organizational learning and knowledge management
Edition
2nd ed.
Publication Date
1-1-2011
First Page
635
Last Page
658
Publisher
Wiley
Keywords
Ikujiro Nonaka, knowledge management, organizational learning, knowledge creation, Asia
Abstract
This chapter reviews prior studies on organizational learning in Asia, including the distinguished work of Ikujiro Nonaka of Hitotsubashi University, who, over two decades, through decoding the principles that underpin the innovative capability of Japanese organizations, has developed a dynamic theory of knowledge creation in Japanese firms. The four broad issues—knowledge management involving joint ventures in Asia, knowledge management involving wholly-owned subsidiaries in Asia, transfer of organizational learning practices to Asia, and measuring organizational learning in Asia—explored by prior research into organizational learning in Asia (excluding Japanese organizations on home soil) are reviewed. The tendency for Asia-based researchers has been to follow research traditions imported from either North America or Europe, rather than developing emic approaches. However, Nonaka's research, which draws on data from inside Japan, provides highly credible insights into the dynamics of knowledge creation within a dozen or more large and successful Japanese multinationals across various industries. Therefore, Nonaka's theory of knowledge creation is reviewed and its core conceptual components, with particular emphasis on the socialization, externalization, combination, and internationalization (SECI) model, and the enabling factors that are embedded at the individual and organizational levels are summarized. The cultural and institutional features that apply more generally across Asia and their implications for a pan-Asian theory of organizational learning are also considered.
DOI
10.1002/9781119207245.ch28
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons. Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.
Additional Information
ISBN of the source publication: 9781614729150
Full-text Version
Publisher’s Version
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Snell, R., & Hong, J. (2011). Organizational learning in Asia. In M. Easterby-Smith & M. A. Lyles. (Eds.), Handbook of organizational learning and knowledge management (pp. 635-658). Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley. doi: 10.1002/9781119207245.ch28