Applicability of the SECI model of knowledge creation in Russian cultural context: theoretical analysis

Abstract

While the potential influence of national culture on the efficiency of knowledge management interventions has been widely accepted, the question of whether the knowledge management theories are influenced by culture received little attention. This paper aims to address this gap by analyzing SECI model of knowledge creation by Nonaka and Takeuchi in the context of Russian national culture. The model's authors claim of its universal validity, and current criticism against this position is limited and controversial. We maintain that it is partly due to the fact that SECI model in its original format resists empirical verification. Thus we propose a framework for operationalization of the SECI model. We suggest that decomposing SECI model into three levels—basic cognitive processes, societal and organizational conditions, and managerial tools—opens the ways for its empirical and cross-cultural investigation. Applying this framework to Russia, we develop a set of theoretical propositions regarding opportunities and limits of SECI application in Russian cultural context. Finally we discuss theoretical and management implications of our analysis.