In this book Dr. Michael Stankosky, founder of the first doctoral program in knowledge management, sets out to provide a rationale and solid research basis for establishing Knowledge Management (KM) as an academic discipline. While it is widely known that Knowledge is the driver of our knowledge economy, Knowledge Management does not yet have the legitimacy that only rigorous academic research can provide. This book lays out the argument for KM as a separate academic discipline, with its own body of knowledge (theoretical constructs), guiding principles, and professional society.

In creating an academic discipline, there has to be a widely accepted theoretical construct, arrived at by undergoing scholarly scientific investigation and accompanying rigor. This construct becomes the basis for an academic curriculum, and proven methodologies for practice. Thus, the chapters in this book bridge theory and practice, providing guiding principles to those embarking on or evaluating the merits of a KM program.

As a methodology itself for undertaking the development of a body of knowledge, a KM Research Map was developed to guide scholars, researchers, and practitioners. This book presents this map, and showcases cutting-edge scholarship already performed in this nascent field by including the dissertation results of eleven KM scholar/practitioners.