THE CONCEPT OF BA - BUILDING A FOUNDATION FOR KNOWLEDGE CREATION

This article introduces the Japanese concept of ''Ba'' to organization al theory. Ba (equivalent to ''place'' in English) is a shared space f or emerging relationships. It can be a physical, virtual, or mental sp ace. Knowledge, in contrast to information, cannot be separated from t he context-it is embedded in ba. To support the process of knowledge c reation, a foundation in ba is required. This article develops and exp lains four specific platforms and their relationships to knowledge cre ation. Each of the knowledge conversion modes is promoted by a specifi c ba. A self-transcending process of knowledge creation can be support ed by providing ba on different organizational levels. This article pr esents case studies of three companies that employ ba on the team, div ision, and corporate level to enhance knowledge creation.