Knowledge Dynamics: A Semantic Analysis.

This paper aims to perform a semantic analysis of the knowledge dynamics concept and to propose a framework for the semantic clusters used in knowledge management. Knowledge is an abstract term without correspondence with any physical object. Knowledge can be understood through metaphorical thinking. Metaphors used in explaining knowledge contribute to its spectrum of meanings today and the difficulty of finding a unique definition. Among the most frequently used metaphors are those based on an object, a stock, an iceberg, a flow, a process, and energy. The concept of knowledge dynamics follows the same pattern, and its interpretation depends on the researcher's experience and the metaphor used. That explains why we find so many different interpretations for such a critical concept in knowledge management theory and practice. The aim of the present research is to perform a semantic analysis of the multiple meanings assigned to knowledge dynamics and to propose a framework for the semantic clusters. The research is based on a qualitative analysis of the literature, the theory of metaphorical thinking, and the theory of semantic clustering. We take as reference the well-defined meanings of the dynamics concept from physics and thermodynamics. In physics, dynamics means motion in space or change in time. In thermodynamics, dynamics means transformation from one state to another state or from one field into another field of a given variable. Our analysis findings can be instrumental in a better understanding of the knowledge dynamics concept and adequate utilization in practice. Many researchers use, for instance, the meaning of flow for both the concept of knowledge and that of knowledge dynamics without a correct understanding of the fluid mechanics laws. That leads to misinterpretations in their research models and empirical research. The originality of this paper comes from the semantic clustering analysis and the proposed framework used and an interdisciplinary approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]