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Ferguson, J., Huysman, M. and Soekijad, M. (2010). Knowledge management in practice: Pitfalls and potentials for development World Development, 38(12):1797--1810.


  • Journal
    World Development

Knowledge management is increasingly recognized as a relevant management approach within the development sector. However, few academic studies have analyzed the conceptual foundations of knowledge management practices in a development-specific context. As a result, the political dimensions of knowledge management are often overlooked. Through a literature review, illustrated with reference to examples from practice, this paper identifies a difference between latent goals and active knowledge management practices, which can lead to counterproductive development outcomes. The paper identifies the pitfalls and potentials associated with knowledge management in a development context and presents a conceptual framework that recognizes and builds on political dimensions of knowledge as discussed in participation and post-developmentalist debates. {\textcopyright} 2010 Elsevier Ltd.