Barriers to the flow of knowledge: Why complexity gets in the way of progress

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds his/her own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

It is said that people can only remember four things at a time. Sometimes we might be able to grow that to six or seven things, and of course there are some people who have trained themselves to remember huge numbers of items or digits in a certain order. And indeed, some lucky individuals have a photographic memory enabling them to remember this in great detail. But for most mortals, we have a hard time remember to buy milk, bread AND juice on a visit to the local store.

Practical implications

This paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Citation

(2020), "Barriers to the flow of knowledge: Why complexity gets in the way of progress", Development and Learning in Organizations, Vol. 34 No. 1, pp. 28-30. https://doi.org/10.1108/DLO-10-2019-0233