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252 MANAGING KNOWLEDGE WORK AND INNOVATION

>> QUESTIONS

1. Strategically what was BIOTECH’s main knowledge purpose?
2. What knowledge processes existed in BIOTECH and how well embedded were
they?
3. Critically evaluate whether overall the context enabled or disabled knowledge
processes in BIOTECH.
4. What other factors external to the organization may have influenced BIOTECH’s
ability to manage knowledge?

Summary of key learning points

>> Attempts to manage knowledge are not new, but the classical approach of separating ‘the
brains’ from ‘the hands’ (decisions and actions) is no longer appropriate as organization
need to respond to dynamic, global and highly competitive environments.
>> It is important that firms identify for what major purpose they aim to manage knowledge
in order that they can then establish what major knowledge processes need to be embed-
ded across the firm.
>> It is management’s responsibility to attempt to foster appropriate enabling contexts to
support particular knowledge processes.
>> Different institutional and sectoral contexts will influence the management of knowledge
work.

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