Knowledge system diagnostics: Applying Foucault's archaeological frameworkto organizations

In this paper I describe a diagnostic framework appropriated from Michel Fo ucault's (1972) The Archaeology of Knowledge. The inquiry framework aims to uncover an organization's 'rules of formation'. These rules make possible the creation and maintenance of knowledge within an organization. Foucault (1972) approaches knowledge from a position which sees discourse (a group o f statements) as having regularities and patterns which enable or constrain the emergence of new ideas and concepts. His view is radically different f rom the subject-centred approach which focuses on the individual creative m ind as the source of new concepts and knowledge. In this approach the subje ct occupies certain positions within a matrix of rules which enable the art iculation of statements. This knowledge matrix contains the rules of format ion of objects, concepts, strategies, and positions from which subjects tak e part in a discourse. Appropriating Foucault's approach allows us to view organizational change as a shift in the knowledge matrix rather than the sh ifting of minds. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.