Buddhist Inquiry into Knowledge Management: A Comprehensive Literature Review

This literature review explores the integration of Buddhist principles into Knowledge Management (KM), presenting an interdisciplinary examination that challenges traditional Western paradigms. By analyzing the origins and evolution of knowledge management literature, the review highlights the contributions of key theorists such as Karl Wigg, Lawrence Prusak, and Nonaka and Takeuchi. The study emphasizes the importance of balancing human-centric and technology-centric perspectives, incorporating cultural and philosophical dimensions that enrich KM practices. The influence of Buddhist teachings, including the Mahayana approach, Zen Buddhism, and the Noble Eightfold Path, offers valuable insights into creating ethical, self-aware, and continuously evolving KM practices. The review contrasts the symbolic representation of knowledge in Eastern philosophy, where it is seen as a revelation of Truth, with its commodification in Western thought. This comparison reveals profound differences in conceptualization and utilization, inviting a rethinking of traditional KM paradigms. The interdisciplinary study underscores the potential of Buddhist principles to foster continuous learning, ethical decision-making, and holistic well-being, ultimately promoting a more enlightened and interconnected generation with KM practices.