Epistemology versus Ontology in Research Design - Article Example

Epistemology versus Ontology in Research Design Introduction: The basic issue of this paper is to distinguish between epistemology and ontology to demonstrate that the latter is a more important ingredient of research design. The paper will follow the pattern of defining the research problem, the research area and the going on to defining epistemology and ontology in context of the research area, which is knowledge management. For this it will be follow an analytical bent in order to find, through examples, the suitability of ontology as compared to that of epistemology. At this point it is imperative to say that this paper pitches epistemology against ontology with an argument against the former. This is due to the fact that the nature of the research area demands a field of study like ontology for the research design. In the course of this paper, the various research problems will be discussed with a focus on the elements of the research area. These elements will provide the examples for the use of ontology instead of epistemology. Therefore, it may be said that this paper has been written on the assumption that ontology is better suited than epistemology for the research design. Finally, there will be a conclusion that will summarize the findings that have been acquired through this paper. The presentation of these findings or reasons as to why ontology is better suited than epistemology will be summarized in a systematic manner. Analysis To begin with, let us define the concepts of epistemology and ontology, individually. Epistemology: This is a field of study that is closely related to philosophy. Epistemology, through the definition of theories and concepts, seeks to study a body of knowledge by applying the relevant definitions. It is a field of study that uses tools like analysis and interpretation. For the application of epistemology, it is important to have a body of ready to use or analyze factual data. This field combines the study of data with the application of philosophical tools, so as to garner broad generalizations. These generalizations adhere to various truths and beliefs, as may be depicted in the overall perception of the philosophical dimensions of the knowledge being studied. There is a strong scope for the use of logic and reasoning in this area. Justification of findings through various mathematical and statistical modes is also an important part of the field of epistemology. (www.wikipedia.com) Ontology: Ontology is a vast field of study. Its scope is greater than that of epistemology. This can be demonstrated by the fact that epistemology simply seeks to derive various findings through a study of the facts. Ontology on the other, seeks to find all the relevant knowledge that can contribute to a more systematic study of facts for more accurate findings. In the field of ontology, there is a focus on the defining of various parameters from varied perspectives. This helps the researcher reach certain generalizations so as to arrive on the common features of the parameter being studied. These common features can be summarized to form an accurate depiction of the issue at hand. (www.wikipedia.com) At this point, it is imperative to describe the research area. The research area is knowledge management. This part of the paper will contain the reasons throughout the conception of the area, as to why epistemology is less suitable than ontology for this particular research design. The title of the paper is 'Evaluating the Impact of Culture to Knowledge Management Designs, Tools and Implementations in Greece MNCs.' Research Problem This study seeks to investigate the impact of culture in the design, tools and the implementation of knowledge management in Greece. A cross-sectional study on five industries will be used as a sample in order to test the correlation of KM design, tools, and implementation and culture in Greece. At the end of the study, a proposed KM design, tools and implementation procedure will be recommended which can be used for other MNCs in Greece. This research draws its inspiration from the consideration of the research that the organisations' people are the most valued asset of the firm and thus, knowledge being the primary commodity of the workforce would be the most important area to be enhanced. Specifically, the proposed study will be answering the following questions: 1. What is the current knowledge management design, tools and implementation process in Greece's MNCs such as call centres (customer service), consulting firms, airline industry, banking industry and IT firms' 2. What is the prevailing culture within the departments and across the industries' 3. What is the relationship between the success of KM design, tools and implementation with the culture of Greece' 4. What kind of KM design, tools and implementation process would be effective in maximizing the KM of Greece MNCs' Basic Research Design: Ontology Versus Epistemology In lieu of the above mentioned criteria, it is important to realize that the study of culture is relevant to the research design. Therefore, it is imperative for the research design to be one that will be based on gathering, interpretation and appropriate presentation of the facts. This is a concept supported by ontology, as epistemology simply seeks to study the existing data. (Lango, 1972)1 Ontology is a field that is capable of delivering a wider knowledge base as compared to epistemology. The researcher's preference for ontology is one that springs from the fact that ontology will be better able to integrate and prioritise the data into a coherent whole. This is in lieu of the fact that knowledge management is a growing field with an ever increasing body of knowledge. In order to specifically study how this can affect the Greek MNCs in the cultural context, one needs to define a plethora of areas in terms of operational context within the organisation. These areas have been defined in the following chapters so as to demonstrate the utility of ontology as compared to epistemology. (Lango, 1972) The definition of the research areas is supported by the use ontology owing to the fact that the data needs to customised in order to suit and have context to the specific area of culture in the commercial world of Greece. Owing to the various set parameters, it is imperative to use a research design that will help garner various perspectives. This can be done most effectively by ontology. (Davies et al, 2003)2 Epistemology is not the best course of action to take as regards the research design owing to the fact that it needs the existence of data that will be presented along the lines of the research areas. Epistemology offers less scope to study and analyse various perspectives. Thus, with the use of epistemology, there will be a less wholesome appeal to the final conclusions of the research. (www.wikipedia.com) Knowledge Management The modern day organization operates essentially in the public sphere. This implies that its level of competitive advantage is connected with its knowledge management process and the competence level demonstrated by this process. This process is a relatively new one and it needs to be studied from a variety of perspectives like related concepts as well as the cultural context. (Davies et al, 2003 This context can be gained through the exploration of concepts like idealism and positivism which are related to ontology. Epistemology will not be a relevant concept here, as it merely seeks to understand the data that is contained in various literary and other similar works. Therefore, for the gathering of first hand data and prioritizing the same to form a knowledge management base, it is imperative to use ontology. (Lango, 1972) In this context, knowledge management may be defined as the process of transmitting information regarding various quarters within the organisation's operational sphere to the relevant parties within and outside it. This is an important process owing to the fact that the public today wants to know details about the organisation in order to show any level of interest in it. This assumption also caters to the employees and recruits who want full information regarding the work culture as well as the broad policies within the organisation. (Dominique et al, 2001)3 This research work will seek to study the various aspects attached to the field of knowledge management in case of a specific case study. This case study will revolve around the MNCs in Greece. In this regard, the researcher needs to gather relevant data in as regards the analysis of their existing policies and how these should be structured and revamped to form an effective knowledge management system and culture within the organisation. (Payne, 1996)4 Knowledge Management in Greece: Operative Areas for Ontology Business Transformation: this includes a class of services aimed at carrying out relevant research and applying the interpretation of the data emanating from the same in order to transform the company and render exponential growth to its operational effectiveness. (Davies et al, 2003) Systems and technology consultancy: this includes working with private as well as public companies and corporations to source and provide information regarding financial services, energy, government and public services, manufacturing and telecommunications, among many others, so as to promote the scope for strategic partnerships between the public and private corporations. (Davies et al, 2003) Knowledge Base Greece has grown from strength to strength in order to show sustainability. It now operates at par with countries like US, Middle East, Asia Pacific and Europe with a large employee scale in most organizations. As far as the scope of knowledge management goes, this information has various dimensions in terms of factors that influence the scope and process of knowledge management. (Baker et al, 1998)5 The study of this information needs the backing of a field like Ontology which will explore the study of each entity as a relevant subject. This will help in the prioritisation of data so as to come up with accurate findings. Further, the knowledge management concept itself needs to be defined from the perspective of each entity so as to come to a wide body of generalisations. This is something that cannot be done with the use of epistemology. (Davies et al, 2003) The shipping industry is one that has triggered the exposure level of the business and commercial sector in Greece in order to accommodate standardization of activities. This has led to the emergence of new fields and industries. Therefore, the need for knowledge management in a growing world of commerce, such as the one thriving in Greece, is even more pronounced. (Baker et al, 1998)There are a variety of factors that form the base for the development and evolution of a knowledge base that is crucial for a well organized and structured system of knowledge management. (Lango, 1972) These factors, as a part of the process followed by ontology, are as follows: Wide ranging interests in the social, economic and cultural aspect of stakeholders. This accounts for parity with the stakeholders; standards as far as putting across the information in relevant and culturally effective terms is concerned, so that they understands it more easily in context of the country they live in and the economic factors that influence their daily lives. For example, a stakeholder in India may want to know how the stock of an MNC in Greece will respond to inflation, while a stakeholder in America may want a more crisp report on how it will affect his or her personal economic standing. (Davies et al, 2003) Employee demands. In this case, the employees spread across the various MNCs will need to have knowledge about the working conditions and other practices like salary, bonus, etc., so as to compare it with their own standard of living. For example, in the Middle East, the employee will be quite concerned about the timings so that he or she may attend prayers and get home on time, as well as the existence of a prayer room at the place of work. Whereas, an employee in Europe will be more concerned about the perks offered with the salary and how it can be negotiated to fit his or her means. (Lango, 1972) Supplier and Creditor information: This will include transmitting relevant knowledge to suppliers and creditors of the MNCs so as to show them financial information pertaining to the economic standing of the company. This information may include balance sheets, account statements, and many other such categories of information that promote financial knowledge so as to make sure that they continue doing business with the MNCs. (Payne, 1996) End users: this pertains to providing information about the company to current clients and customers as well as prospective customers, through a complete information base about the broad policies, services offered and other factors that affect general public notion and the image of the company like adherence to environmental policies, fair prices and relevant policies of the various countries it operates in. (Payne, 1996) The Function of Culture Greece is a country with a rich culture and strong ties with tradition. This has led the entrepreneurs in Greece to regard tradition and culture in all their activities. There strong presence of culture in business negotiations has become a standard in today's world of commerce. (Stokes, 2001) 6The preparation for negotiations in a certain country involves a strong focus on learning more about the traditions as well as culture of the country. This helps the negotiator get comfortable with the business climate that is followed in the country so as to have a better grasp over what is happening around him or her. (Furusten, 1999)7 In Greece, there are a plethora of customs as well as traditions that are a part and parcel of their activities in every walk of life. For example, a major part of this involves food habits. The Greek, as a people, focus on the food at every occasion. They have a wide variety of dishes that are prepared and savoured according to the occasion. (Stokes, 2001) The scope for ontology in this case is in the fact that Greek culture needs to be studied in order to come up with a fool proof structure on which the knowledge management criteria may be arrived at and finally evolved. Epistemology will depend on the analysis of the data that exists already. (Hofer et al, 2002)8 Ontology on the other will help the research gain wider perspectives as dealing with people and cultures is not the same as dealing with theories involving market mechanisms and economies. The organizations in Greece are reflective of the culture there, and it is imperative to be able to gain a wider perspective on the knowledge that is available so as to gather more relevant details. This will help the research focus on the actual nuances of developing a structure within which the knowledge management structure may be established. (MacLaughlin, 1999)9 Operational Pattern According to these elements of ontology, the operational context for knowledge management is one that follows a strategic approach. This cannot be done with the use of epistemology. The guidelines used by ontology for following this strategic approach within this particular organisation are as follows: (Payne, 1996) Converting localised efforts into more integrated efforts on the global front: for this, MNCs requires to coordinate the flow and transmission of information in a more fluid way so as to transform the local efforts into global one. (Payne, 1996) Departmentalisation of efforts: there must be a series of departments that coordinate the knowledge management process and transmit the relevant knowledge to relevant parties. (Payne, 1996) Categorisation of parties: this refers to the process of categorising the parties like supplies, creditors, bankers, customers and the society in general so as to assess the need for each and thus decide on the kind of information to be transmitted. (Payne, 1996) Standardisation of activities: there needs o be a set standard for assessment and evaluation according to which the activities and their various elements must be broken up and rated. These ratings must then define the exact way of doing each element of the overall activity. This will help contribute positively to the overall information and image transmitted about the organisation to the outside world. (Payne, 1996) Investigative approach: all the knowledge and information shared within the organisation must be context of an analytical and critical approach towards the problem so as to find a suitable connection between all activities. This will lead to more foolproof management of the knowledge base within the MNCs. (Payne, 1996) Better personal networks: having a better personal network system that spreads across the various offices that the MNCs have in different parts of the globe will promote the procurement and use of formal as well as informal information. This will lend authenticity and credibility to the operations that take place on the basis of this knowledge. (Bernstein, 1997)10 Result Oriented Approach With these elements, it is easy to visualise a knowledge management system or model that adheres to the following factors through the use of ontology: (Dominique et al, 2001) Easy Applicability: this refers to an application of model along the lines of an easy and systematic manner. This will the transmission process a more smooth flowing one that will naturally to all employees within the MNCs. Connectivity: this kind of a model will help the employees and managers connect and link all the activities so as to put up a coordinated front especially where pressures for deadlines and the generation of coherent knowledge is concerned. Credibility: with a strong focus on points like giving the right kind and right amount of information to the right people, this kind of a model will lend a certain amount of credibility in its ability to tie all departments within the organisation together for a stronger organisation of data and knowledge that flows into and from various corners of the same. Quality: the application of such a model will lay the framework for qualitative knowledge and its management, which in turn will support the cause of quality in all the activities attached with the exchange of this knowledge and information. This will help raise the standards and the quality of the work culture within the MNCs. (Bernstein, 1997) Smooth progression: the activities within the organisation will progress smoothly, almost blending into one another when a fool proof model for knowledge management has been developed and implemented. With a base of highly qualified and skilled professionals who are experts in their fields, Greece is in the constant business of generating opportunities in the areas of employment, knowledge and intellectual capital. (OECD, 2006)11 As far as knowledge management goes, for Greece this starts at a point where the recruitment of employees takes place in its various industries. These industries need to start knowledge management at the very source of the building of intellectual capital because this will dictate the quality of knowledge that will continue to thrive within the organization. In this regard, at the recruitment stage itself, the MNCs must comb all their options and arrive at a plan of action regarding the achievement of the organization's goals. Once this has been decided upon, it will get easier to choose the right candidates for the job in terms of future potential and background information. This information must be processed and filed by the relevant department to find the scope for motivation so as to bring out the best in terms of building potential within the organization is concerned. (Bernstein, 1997) For effective knowledge management, it is imperative to have a certain amount of working knowledge regarding the operations of the company in various parts of the globe. With a focus on the diversity of the workforce, it is possible to develop a more generic form of knowledge management through a process of constant training and development aimed at specific areas like marketing, communication, accent and voice neutralisation, tonal neutralisation as well as cultural neutralisation. (Dominique et al, 2001) Role of Knowledge Management Factors Further, these factors discussed above will have a wide role to play in the model employed in MNCs depending on the quality of the workforce and the ability they show for rising above their diversities and integrating the best points of the same, to come with a systemised form of knowledge management that will flow from one country to another. Also, it will help the MNCs lay down the specific standards and norms according to which knowledge must be allocated and channelled for optimum utilisation of resources. (Piaget, 1977)12 In this context, the MNCs in Greece need to depend on the sheer diversity of its workforce in order to overcome various difficulties like culture and governmental practices, through a focus on the knowledge base it develops. The knowledge base should be managed effectively the knowledge management system as well as the departments that procure and use this knowledge. This knowledge can be garnered and structured into a systematic body of study through the use of ontology. (Bernstein, 1997) Through the use of Ontology, the research can gain a wider focus on sharing information so as to connect the various offices that an MNC has in various parts of the world. As of now, these offices are extremely detached from each other. The primary skills that will be required in this field will include the building of a knowledge base regarding the countries that they operate in as well as sharing this knowledge with each other. Further, there needs to be an emphasis on individual activities like documentation and content management of the independent profiles and portfolios of the offices in these countries. This knowledge must be gathered and processed through ontology to generate a standardised form of content that must emanate from every office. (Bernstein, 1997) The most important point here is to link these individual offices with each other so as to have a systematic flow of information which will promote quality and coherence in its knowledge as well as the management system adopted to handle the same. In this regard, there is a need for greater efficiency which can be brought about by the reinvention of its knowledge management patterns and activities in general. These patterns can be studied through the application of the practices carried out under ontology. Further, the research needs to focus on the utilisation of skills and knowledge of the marketing and other experts of Greek MNCs who can train the current employees and spread the culture of imparting and sharing knowledge within the organisation. This is owing to the fact that despite a poor knowledge management system, this country has a good base as far as it expert panel and potential thereof is concerned. (Lango, 1972) Conclusion In the case of Greece, the basic driving force is it cultural identity. The use of ontology can show the nexus between the operational spheres of the MNCs and the culture of this country. This cannot be done effectively by epistemology owing to the fact that it is not as broad a field as ontology as regards the principles and concepts that it contains. It is important to integrate the personal and organisational goals of any organisation so as to achieve maximum success of its operations. This will lead to smooth achievement of goals. The study of these facts through ontology will show the scope for the integration of these goals through a focus on the cultural identity that is so crucial to MNCs in Greece. The use of ontology will have a two fold effect in this case. The first is that there will be systematic build up of knowledge through the garnering of facts regarding Greece, its culture, the operation of various MNCs around the world and the elements of knowledge management that have been described in this paper. The second dimension to the use of ontology will be that this information will be structured to form concepts that will be unique to the research problem and research design at hand. This cannot be done effectively by epistemology, as there be a requirement for a ready body of knowledge. This research design needs to focus equally on the gathering of data and perspectives to form concepts, as it does on the final findings. Therefore, ontology will serve the purpose of this research design better than epistemology. References: 1. Dominique (ETD) Foray, John R. De La Mothe (2001) Knowledge Management in the Innovative Process. Springer. 2. L. Payne (Aug, 1996) Making Knowledge Management Real at the National Security Agency. Knowledge Management in Practice. 3. C. Bernstein (1997) Global Sharing of Consulting Knowledge. AAAI Spring Symp. Knowledge Management, AAAI. 4. Lango, John W (1972) Whitehead's Ontology. SUNY Press. 5. Davies, John; Fensel, Dieter; Harmelen; Frank V (2003) Towards the Semantic Web: Ontology Driven Knowledge Management. Wiley Publishers. 6. Baker, Dean; Epstin, Gerald A; Pollin, Robert (1998). Globalisation and Progressive Economic Policy. Cambridge University Press. 7. Stokes, Adrian. (2001) Greek Culture and Ego: A Psycho Analytical Survey of An Aspect of Greek Civilisation and Art. Routledge. 8. Furusten, Staffan (1999). Popular management Books: How they are made and What they mean for Organizations. Routledge. 9. OECD Staff. (2006) OECD Economic Outlook: December No. 78 - Volume 2005, Issue 2; Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. 10. Piaget, Jean. (1977) Epistemology and Psychology of Functions. Springer. 11. Hofer, Barbara K; Pintrich, Paul R. (2002) Personal Epistemology: The psychology of beliefs about knowledge and Knowing. Lawrance Erlbaum Associates. 12. MacLaughlin, Janice (1999). Valuing technology: Organisations, Culture and Change. Routledge. 13. Wikipedia - the world's free encyclopaedia. URL: www.wikipedia.com (Accessed during may 2007) Read More