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Heraclitus: Philosophy of change, a challenge for knowledge management?

By: Heiner Müller-Merbach

A Journal Synthesis on Management Philosophy Topics

By: Zoe Regina C. Castro

Submitted to: Dr. Joanne J. Java, CPA

The paper describes the Heraclitus’ theory of change and how change is connected with
knowledge management. Heraclitus claimed there was a single divine law of the universe,
which rules and guides the universe - this is the Logos. He said that the logos both inspires and
administers change. Heraclitus compares the logos to fire, an element that is always changing
yet always the same. Heraclitus concluded that nature is change. Like a river, nature flows ever
onwards. Yet, even the nature of the flow changes.
According to Tom Davenport (1994), knowledge management is the process of
capturing, distributing, and effectively using knowledge. Thus, it implies a strong bond to
organizational goals and strategy. Managing knowledge is useful for creating value for the
organization. Heraclitans knowledge management aids the purpose of coping with change.
Heraclitus disciples adapt his theory of change and focus on the dynamic processes and not on
the static situations. Also, they concentrate on understanding the development and not on a
position of an organization and/or its parts.
Change is the only constant in this world. People changes, environment changes,
technology changes, and so as the business organization. In today's business setting, companies
are required to undergo changes to remain and be more competitive. Thus, sometimes
managing organization change is difficult. It needs proper planning and process of
implementations in such a way that people in the organization will not be resistance of the
change, as well as to minimize cost and maximizing the effect of change.
Now, the question is how will the organization handle change? Managing organization
change can be difficult. Initiating change in the organization often caused problems and failure.
This is when knowledge management comes in. It is important to explain and illustrate of how
and why change is needed and expected to happen in a particular setting. Resistance from the
employee will be eliminated. Knowledge management should help in adapting and
implementing change.
As future HR manager, we have to be open with change and become a change agent in
the organization. Change agent will allow the change to be understand and communicate
especially to the affected of the change. Coping and managing change can be the organization’s
survival in the modern times. Thus, knowledge management strategies have substantial positive
effect on effective change implementation and demonstrates that the readiness for change
partly intercedes between KM strategies and successful organizational change implementation
(Imran, 2015). Change process will succeed better with the help of the company's leader and
acceptance of employees.

“Progress is impossible without change and those who cannot change their mind cannot
change anything” – George BS.