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Generative conversations: applying Lyotard's discourse model to knowledge creation within contemporary organizations
Author(s) -
Topp Warren
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
systems research and behavioral science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.371
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1099-1743
pISSN - 1092-7026
DOI - 10.1002/1099-1743(200007/08)17:4<333::aid-sres310>3.0.co;2-k
Subject(s) - conversation , generative grammar , subject (documents) , heuristics , sociology , epistemology , linguistics , process (computing) , computer science , communication , artificial intelligence , philosophy , world wide web , operating system
In this paper I describe a conversation model appropriated from Jean François Lyotard's (1988) work The Differend . The heuristics provided aim to support generative conversations within knowledge organizations. Generative conversations occur when different bodies of knowledge meet and develop new knowledge. Conversation is a process in which organizationally structured bodies of knowledge meet the individual subject. This paper argues that the majority of organizational conversations are regulative. They limit what can be spoken or written by any subject. Generative conversation is creative and encourages a linking of concepts and ideas that enables the emergence of new themes. Lyotard's (1984 and 1988) work provides a model of discourse (conversation) that specifically addresses the linking of phrases by participants. Building on this work this paper provides heuristic support for the practice of generative conversations aimed at opening the space necessary to create new knowledge within organizations. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.