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Two knowledge perspectives to growth management

Harri Laihonen (School of Management, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland)
Antti Lönnqvist (School of Management, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland)
Juha Metsälä (Pohjola Rakennus Ltd, Tampere, Finland)

VINE

ISSN: 0305-5728

Article publication date: 9 November 2015

1764

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to elaborate the connections between an organization’s knowledge management and growth management strategies. The study shows how knowledge management can support organizations’ growth objectives.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first connects the literature streams of growth management and knowledge management. This conceptual understanding about growth-oriented knowledge management is then advanced through an exploratory case study of a company aiming at rapid growth in the construction industry.

Findings

The paper recognizes two knowledge perspectives to growth management. First, the perspective of knowledge assets concerns whether an organization has the needed knowledge resources to enable growth. Second, to make informed decisions, the management needs relevant and up-to-date information. From these viewpoints, the paper derives the case-specific cornerstones of growth-oriented knowledge management and suggests some paths forward in terms of future research.

Practical implications

Although growth strategy defines an organization’s growth aims and clarifies how the intended growth will be attained, knowledge strategy takes a stand on the needed knowledge assets and paints a path from the existing knowledge base to a state where organization’s knowledge assets enable reaching of its business goals. The paper helps practitioners to plan growth-oriented knowledge management strategies.

Originality/value

The paper contributes by extending the analysis of knowledge strategy to growth management and by providing a practical illustration of the development process where knowledge was put into prime focus of organization’s growth strategy. The paper also provides original data and perspective to the roles and interaction of the board and the management team in the case of growth management.

Keywords

Citation

Laihonen, H., Lönnqvist, A. and Metsälä, J. (2015), "Two knowledge perspectives to growth management", VINE, Vol. 45 No. 4, pp. 473-494. https://doi.org/10.1108/VINE-11-2014-0063

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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