Knowledge Appropriation, Turbulent Careers and Power

This paper examines the challenge of appropriating knowledge in a context characterized by uncertain careers and a turbulent global economy. We argue that the dichotomous conception of ‘knowledge as asset’ and ‘knowledge as career capital’ reflects an underlying inherent conflict in the way both the organization and the individual appropriate knowledge respectively. We propose that recent trends in careers, characterized by increased flexibility and diminishing job security in an increasingly turbulent global economy, pose a challenge to the organization’s assumed right to appropriate knowledge as well as to develop its learning capabilities. With reference to Foucault’s conception of disciplinary power, we seek to interpret and shed new light on the power and control dynamics that underpin this conflict.