p.16 knowledge is generated in action. Characteristically, the knowledge-in-action that is most highly prized in the modern world is that which is produced in situ in the domain of work; that is, in settings that are systematic, collective, often large- scale and oriented towards production, profit and growth. Accordingly, working knowledge - as we might term it - is knowledge that is generated by and in the work situation; it works for producers, securing economic or other gains, and it works as a form of intellectual labor, taking the place of human manual labour, and claiming attention in its own right.

 

p.17 Working knowledge... stands for a range of claims, for example, that: 1 Knowledge is only authentic if it can be put to work... 2 Work is a site in which knowledge can be generated... 3 Work can offer a means of testing claims to knowledge

 

p.18 our epistemologies are changing - from knowing-in-theory to knowing-in- action - and not before time. From knowing as description to knowing as prescription.

 

p.19 Working knowledge emphasizes that knowledge is inherent in human processes, actions and all interactions: it is thus not purely cerebral.

 

p.22 The organisation not only does things; it does things in an informed way... Effort is put into securing a deeper collective understanding of the challenges faced... Investments are made in developing the knowledge and understandings... Knowledge capital is thus put to work, adding further value to existing knowledge capital.

 

p.22 Is it [working knowledge] 'real knowledge'? By what criteria might it be justified, if at all, as knowledge?

 

p.23 Philosophically, then, it would seem that we are obliged to be generous in our sense as to what is to count as a serious candidate for the title of 'knowledge'. [JLJ - knowledge is anything which potentially or strategically can be used in order to determine how to 'go on'.]

 

p.24 whereas formal knowledge is susceptible of tests that are arguably universal, working knowledge is often company-specific: its tests are whether it works for this company. Working knowledge, accordingly, has an ineffable quality.

 

p.25 'Knowledge', in the Western tradition at least, has had conceptual connections with truth and understanding... truth is what works... Working knowledge is not only in work; it is what works.

 

p.27 considerations of truth are influenced by considerations of effectiveness in the practical domain... we start to close off options for constructive debate