The Theory of Knowledge Fields: A Thermodynamics Approach

• Conceptual paper.
• Presents a new approach to understanding the complex concepts of knowledge and knowledge dynamics by analogy with thermodynamics, targeting managerial applications.
• Thermodynamics suggests the idea of knowledge fields and that of transformation of one field into another, like in the energy case.
• Based on that, three fundamental knowledge fields are defined: rational, emotional, and spiritual (as shown in the knowledge dynamics model above.
• Understanding knowledge fields and knowledge dynamics as a transformational process helps managers and leaders in making decisions and better motivating employees.
• The rational knowledge field – In knowledge management, rational knowledge is considered to be explicit knowledge because it is expressed by using a natural or symbolic language. Explicit knowledge plays a dominant role in managerial decision-making and organizational learning. As a consequence, the rational knowledge field remains the most important component of organizational knowledge, especially in Western culture
• The emotional knowledge field – Emotional knowledge is processed by our System 1 of thinking to generate a fast bodily action, especially in dangerous situations. When emotional knowledge is seen only as a part of tacit knowledge, it cannot be individualized and explored directly by managers and leaders. That situation is completely changed when we consider the emotional knowledge field as a part of integrated knowledge and managers have direct access to it. Emotional knowledge represents the raw material for emotional intelligence, and emotional intelligence can be used in successfully designing and operating the recognition and rewarding system in any organization. Perception of risk is also related to emotional knowledge and its processing.
• The spiritual knowledge field – Spiritual knowledge is about shared values and moral judgments which emerge in any social context as a reference system in making judgments and decisions. Understanding spiritual knowledge and working spirituality in the knowledge society is a new requirement for managers and leaders, a requirement which is already reflected in many new regulations and cultural changes, especially those related to governance and leadership.

Header image: The knowledge dynamics model. Source: Bratianu & Bejinaru, 2019.

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