Facilitating future-oriented collaborative knowledge creation by using artistic organizational innovation methods: Experiences from a Finnish wood-processing company

In this study, methods of artistic mediation are linked to organizational innovation via the concept of knowledge creation. An extended SECI (Socialization–Externalization–Combination–Internalization) model of knowledge creation is linked to methods of artistic mediation by including appropriate actions for the different bas. This results in a framework for processing innovation in organizational settings in a new way. In light of a company case we discuss how different modes of knowledge may be created and how that may be aided with artistic mediation. We use a specific artistic orientation of action research, research-based theatre (RBT); a research strategy that includes theatre as a way to conduct scholarly research methods. This novel framework is reflected on using empirical data collected during an organizational development process in a large Finnish company. Interest has been growing among researchers and developers to find new kinds of approaches to organizational innovation. Using different kinds of artistic methods has opened up interesting possibilities, but there is still a great need for concrete examples of how artistic methods are used in ‘real life situations’ to facilitate collaborative knowledge creation. This study demonstrates one concrete example from a very traditional industrial sector–mechanical wood-processing.

► The process of research-based theatre takes into account different types of knowledge. ► Participants open up procedures related to their work and organizational practices. ► With RBT, case company employees and managers started to co-create shared knowledge. ► A participative process includes different voices; it is polyphony.