What struck me - and at the same time was and is for me an illustration
that the basic Kolb a.o. framework is still up to date - are the analogies
between Kolb's experiental learning cycle and the more recent model of
knowledge conversion by Nonaka and Takeuchi (see for instance `The
knowledge creating company'. Oxford: University Press, 1995). Although the
latter do not refer to Kolb (is it possible that his work was/is not known
in the Japanese community of scholars ?), I think one can draw some
parallels.
Basic in the model of Nonaka and Takeuchi is the distinction they make
between tacit or implicit knowledge and explicit knowledge. They state
that knowledge is created and expanded through social interaction between
tacit and explicit knowledge. By making the four possible connections
between tacit and explicit knowledge, they describe four learning
processes within a framework of knowledge creation. I think it is possible
to link these four processes to the activities in Kolb's cycle.
Let's give it a try:
(1) From tacit knowledge to tacit knowledge: this process is called
`socialization'. It is the field of learning from experiences, by
demonstration, imitation and trial and error. In terms of communities:
this learning takes place in a `community of experience'. I think that the
socialization mode is comparable with Kolb's `concrete experience'.
(2) From tacit knowledge to explicit knowledge is called
`externalization': externalization is the expression by means of language
of what has become clear through socialization, dialogue, or reflection on
ones own acting. Implicit knowledge is here articulated into explicit
concepts. Metaphors, images, models are used in the `community of
language' to express the tacit knowledge. Kolb calls this the `reflective
observation'.
(3) From explicit knowledge to explicit knowledge is the process of
`combination'. New developments are made possible through combinations of
different concepts, theories and forms of knowledge. Existing knowledge is
expanded, is reconfigurated by linking existing bodies of knowledge.
Networking in a `community of pluralism' is here important. Compare this
with the `abstract conceptualization' in Kolb's model.
(4) From explicit knowledge to tacit knowledge is `internalization'. It
means the integration into the tacit knowledge base: to build up routines
by praciticing in a `community of practice' This is possible with `active
experimentation'.
Nonaka and Takeuchi describe their cycle of knowledge creation and
knowledge management on a double axis, both representing the dimension
tacit knowledge versus explicit knowledge. Kolb explained how the process
of experiental learning moves along the lines of two central tensions.
There is the tension between concrete experiences and abstract concepts.
There is also a tension between the active experimentation and the
reflective observation (see for instance `Experiental learning: experience
as the source of learning and development'. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice
Hall, 1984). Following Kolb, a complete process of experiental learning
includes these four types of reality-handling. Can we thus say that a
complete process of organizational knowledge creation has to include the
four processes, described by Nonaka and Takeuchi ?
Oh yes, for me this was sort of an intro after periodical reading messages
and dialogues on this list for quite some time now. I am a researcher at
the faculty of psychology and educational sciences at the university of
Leuven in Belgium. More specific: I work for the centre for continuing
education in professions and organizations, where I am preparing a
PhD-research in the field of organizational learning.
Best regards,
Luc
--Luc Verheijen E-mail: luc.verheijen@ped.kuleuven.ac.be
Learning-org -- Hosted by Rick Karash <rkarash@karash.com> Public Dialog on Learning Organizations -- <http://www.learning-org.com>