Community-Owned Knowledge: The Promise of Collaborative Action Research

This book aims to transform the workplace by building domestic knowledge and fostering a shared sense of purpose through collaborative action research. It proposes that the more members of an organization become involved in knowledge production, the denser its ability to deliver its mission.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 29 November 2021
Publisher: Peter Lang Publishing Inc

This book aims to provide a comprehensive framework and essential tools for transforming the workplace. The core framework proposed to educators, school administrators, counselors, parents, and education leaders ranging from kindergarten to college revolves around the concept of building domestic knowledge. By uncovering and nurturing an organization's own knowledge, the book suggests that this collective understanding, skills, and dispositions can ultimately lead to increased local capacity. The more members of an organization engage in knowledge production, the stronger their ability to deliver on their mission. When an organization systematically engages in critical, intentional, and collective action to delve into its daily practices and bring forth knowledge that has not been systematized, the chances of creating a shared sense of purpose and possessing the expertise to fulfill its promises increase significantly. Thus, the book guides the reader through a novel approach to collaborative action research, encompassing every step of this knowledge-making journey.

Introduction:
The workplace is constantly evolving, and organizations must adapt to remain competitive and effective. This book seeks to provide a roadmap for transforming the workplace by emphasizing the importance of building domestic knowledge. Domestic knowledge refers to the understanding, skills, and dispositions that are specific to an organization and are developed through its day-to-day practices. By nurturing and systematizing this knowledge, organizations can create a shared sense of purpose and expertise that enables them to deliver on their promises.

Core Framework:
The book proposes a comprehensive framework for building domestic knowledge. This framework consists of four key elements:

• Unearthing and Fostering Domestic Knowledge: The first step in building domestic knowledge is to identify the knowledge that exists within an organization. This involves conducting research, analyzing data, and engaging in discussions with employees, stakeholders, and customers. Once the knowledge is identified, it needs to be fostered and nurtured through training, workshops, and other learning opportunities.
  


• Collectively Shared Understandings, Skills, and Dispositions: The second element of the framework is the development of collectively shared understandings, skills, and dispositions. This involves creating a culture of collaboration and teamwork where employees feel comfortable sharing their knowledge and expertise. It also involves providing employees with the tools and resources they need to develop their skills and knowledge.
  


• Local Capacity: The third element of the framework is the development of local capacity. This involves leveraging the knowledge and expertise of employees to address local challenges and opportunities. It involves identifying the skills and resources that are available within an organization and finding ways to use them to benefit the community.
  


• Systematic Implementation of Critical, Intentional, and Collective Action: The fourth and final element of the framework is the systematic implementation of critical, intentional, and collective action. This involves taking a proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues within an organization. It involves engaging employees in decision-making processes and providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed.
  

Benefits of Building Domestic Knowledge:
Building domestic knowledge has numerous benefits for organizations. Firstly, it enables organizations to develop a competitive advantage by leveraging their unique knowledge and expertise. By creating a culture of collaboration and teamwork, organizations can foster innovation and creativity, leading to the development of new products, services, and processes. Additionally, building domestic knowledge can improve employee engagement and satisfaction, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction.

Moreover, building domestic knowledge can contribute to the development of a more sustainable and socially responsible organization. By identifying the skills and resources that are available within an organization, organizations can find ways to use them to benefit the community and address social and environmental issues. This can lead to the creation of new business models and the development of new markets.

In conclusion, this book aims to provide a comprehensive framework and essential tools for transforming the workplace. By building domestic knowledge, organizations can develop a competitive advantage, improve employee engagement and satisfaction, contribute to the development of a more sustainable and socially responsible organization, and ultimately achieve their mission and goals.

Weight: 323g
Dimension: 225 x 150 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781433188978
Edition number: New ed