Generative conversations: Applying Lyotard's discourse model to knowledge creation within contemporary organizations

In this paper I describe a conversation model appropriated from Jean Franco is Lyotard's (1988) work The Differend. The heuristics provided aim to supp ort generative conversations within knowledge organizations. Generative con versations occur when different bodies of knowledge meet and develop new kn owledge. Conversation is a process in which organizationally structured bod ies of knowledge meet the individual subject. This paper argues that the ma jority of organizational conversations are regulative. They Limit what can be spoken or written by any subject. Generative conversation is creative an d encourages a Linking of concepts and ideas that enables the emergence of new themes. Lyotard's (1984 and 1988) work provides a model of discourse (c onversation) that specifically addresses the Linking of phrases by particip ants. Building on this work this paper provides heuristic support for the p ractice of generative conversations aimed at opening the space necessary to create new knowledge within organizations. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.