نوع مقاله : مقاله مروری
نویسندگان
1 دانشجوی کارشناسی‌ارشد، رشته مدیریت دانش، دانشکده دانش و هوش شناختی، دانشگاه جامع امام حسین (ع)، تهران، ایران
2 پژوهشگر مرکز دانش و هوش شناختی دانشگاه جامع امام حسین (ع)، تهران، ایران
چکیده
کلیدواژه‌ها
موضوعات
عنوان مقاله [English]
نویسندگان [English]
Purpose: Knowledge management (KM) has been a cornerstone of human progress, evolving from oral traditions to structured systems for preserving, transferring, and leveraging knowledge. Over time, humanity has sought innovative methods to harness knowledge as a strategic asset, particularly in organizational contexts. The advent of modern technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), the Internet of Things (IoT), and the metaverse, has fundamentally transformed how knowledge is managed, shared, and created. These advancements have ushered in what is termed the "fourth generation" of knowledge management, a paradigm that responds directly to the rapid and pervasive developments in the digital era. Unlike previous generations, which focused on codifying explicit knowledge, fostering human interactions, or aligning knowledge with strategic objectives, the fourth generation leverages cutting-edge technologies to create intelligent, dynamic, and scalable knowledge ecosystems. However, despite these technological strides, the scientific literature on knowledge management lacks a comprehensive framework to fully articulate the characteristics of this fourth generation and its integration with emerging technologies, particularly Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). AGI, with its ability to mimic human cognitive capabilities, promises to revolutionize knowledge processes by automating complex tasks, personalizing learning, and uncovering hidden patterns in data. This study addresses this gap by delineating clear distinctions between the generations of knowledge management and proposing a novel model for the fourth generation. Specifically, it revisits and redefines the Nonaka and Takeuchi SECI model (Socialization, Externalization, Combination, Internalization) in the context of AGI, offering a framework that aligns with the demands of the digital age. By doing so, this research provides both theoretical insights and practical guidance for organizations seeking to harness advanced technologies for sustainable competitive advantage.
Methodology: This qualitative research was conducted using a systematic literature review (SLR) approach, adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standards to ensure rigor and transparency. The study targeted peer-reviewed articles published between 2019 and 2024, sourced from reputable scientific databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, SID, Noormags, and Civilica. These databases were selected for their comprehensive coverage of both international and regional (Persian-language) scholarship, ensuring a broad and inclusive perspective. The research process began with the identification of 1,550 relevant sources through a combination of keyword searches and logical operators tailored to knowledge management, AGI, and emerging technologies. A three-stage screening process was employed: first, 100 duplicate articles were removed; second, 100 unrelated articles were excluded based on title and abstract screening; and third, 1,100 articles were further eliminated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) and AMSTAR quality assessment tools to ensure methodological rigor. This process resulted in the selection of 64 high-quality articles for in-depth analysis. Data extraction was performed using a standardized form to capture key details such as study objectives, methodologies, findings, and relevance to the fourth generation of KM. The extracted data were analyzed through two complementary methods: thematic analysis using NVivo software to identify recurring themes and patterns, and bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer software to map research clusters, author networks, and citation trends. To enhance the study’s validity, the triangulation method was employed, cross-referencing findings from multiple sources. Reliability was ensured through independent coding by two researchers, with discrepancies resolved through consensus. This rigorous methodology allowed for a robust synthesis of the current state of knowledge management and its evolution into the fourth generation.
Findings: The study’s findings highlight three key insights into the fourth generation of knowledge management and its integration with emerging technologies. First, AGI significantly enhances organizational knowledge creation by processing unstructured data and uncovering complex patterns that were previously inaccessible. Unlike traditional AI, which is limited to specific tasks, AGI’s ability to emulate human-like reasoning enables it to analyze vast datasets, identify trends, and generate actionable insights, thereby fostering innovation and agility. For instance, AGI can extract meaningful knowledge from diverse sources, such as social media, IoT-generated data, and organizational repositories, enabling organizations to respond swiftly to market changes. Second, emerging technologies, including AGI, IoT, and augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR), present both opportunities and challenges for knowledge management. Opportunities include enhanced organizational agility, personalized learning experiences tailored to individual needs, and improved decision-making through real-time data analysis. For example, IoT facilitates the collection of real-time data from interconnected devices, while AR/VR creates immersive environments for knowledge transfer, such as virtual training simulations. However, these technologies also introduce challenges, such as algorithmic biases, which may skew decision-making, privacy concerns related to data collection, and infrastructure limitations that hinder scalability. Organizations must address these challenges through robust ethical frameworks and investments in digital infrastructure. Third, the study’s revision of the Nonaka and Takeuchi SECI model demonstrates how AGI transforms its four stages. In the socialization phase, AGI simulates human interactions in virtual environments, enabling knowledge sharing without physical presence. In externalization, AGI’s advanced natural language processing capabilities convert tacit knowledge into explicit forms, such as reports or models, with greater accuracy and cultural sensitivity. In the combination phase, AGI integrates diverse knowledge sources to create novel insights, uncovering interdisciplinary connections that enhance innovation. Finally, in internalization, AGI supports experiential learning through adaptive simulations, allowing individuals to internalize explicit knowledge as tacit expertise. These advancements mark a significant departure from the third generation of KM, positioning the fourth generation as a dynamic, intelligent, and technology-driven paradigm.
Research limitations/implications: Despite its comprehensive approach, this study faced several methodological limitations. The focus on the 2019–2024 period, chosen to capture recent trends in AGI and the metaverse, may have excluded foundational studies from earlier periods. Additionally, the inclusion of only Persian and English-language articles, driven by publication volume and researcher accessibility, omitted potentially valuable contributions in other languages, such as Chinese or German. The reliance on literature review methodology, without incorporating empirical data from interviews or surveys, limited the depth of analysis. Furthermore, the use of specific databases (e.g., Scopus, SID) may have overlooked sources in less prominent repositories. To address these limitations, future research should adopt hybrid methodologies, combining literature reviews with empirical data, and incorporate multilingual sources to enhance inclusivity. Despite these constraints, the study’s findings have significant implications for both theory and practice, offering a foundation for further exploration of the fourth generation of KM.
Practical implications: The research underscores the importance of leveraging AGI, IoT, and AR/VR to build intelligent knowledge management systems. Organizations should invest in digital infrastructure to support these technologies, fostering a culture of human-machine collaboration to maximize their potential. For instance, AGI can personalize employee learning by analyzing individual preferences and performance, while IoT can optimize knowledge flows in supply chains. To mitigate challenges like algorithmic biases and privacy concerns, organizations should adopt technologies like blockchain for secure and transparent knowledge sharing. By rethinking the SECI model through the lens of AGI, organizations can enhance knowledge processes, achieve greater agility, and drive innovation, ultimately securing a sustainable competitive advantage in dynamic markets.
Originality/value: This research offers significant originality and scientific value by providing a novel framework for the fourth generation of knowledge management. Focusing on General Artificial Intelligence (AGI) and emerging technologies, it establishes a clear distinction between the third and fourth generations of knowledge management and redefines the Nonaka and Takeuchi SECI model within the context of AGI. This approach addresses a critical research gap in the knowledge management literature and introduces an innovative framework for managing knowledge in the digital era, which has not been previously explored. The study's value lies in offering practical guidance for organizations to leverage advanced technologies to enhance knowledge processes and achieve a sustainable competitive advantage.
کلیدواژه‌ها [English]
Copyright ©, Mohammad Hasan Tavakoli; Hojatollah Momivand
License
Published by Imam Hossein University. This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) licence. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this licence may be seen at http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode
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