This introductory-level textbook provides a critical review and analysis of the key themes that underpin the subject of knowledge management in organizations. Adopting a thematic approach, the key debates are presented including epistemologies of knowledge, managing and sharing knowledge, and learning and innovation. To fully illustrate the issues, case study examples are drawn from knowledge management literature and empirical evidence from recent research. Contents: 1 Why the Current Interest in Knowledge Management Section 1 Epistemologies of Knowledge 2 The Objectivist Perspective on Knowledge 3 The Practice-Based Perspective on Knowledge Section 2 Social and Cultural Issues Related to Managing and Sharing Knowledge 4 'Why Should I Share my Knowledge?' What Motivates People to Share Knowledge? 5 Communities of Practice 6 Inter-community, Boundary-spanning Knowledge Processes 7 Power, Conflict and Knowledge Processes 8 Information and Communication Technologies and Knowledge Management 9 Organizational Culture, HRM Policies and Knowledge Management Section 3 Learning, Innovation and Knowledge Management 10 Learning and Knowledge 11 Innovation Dynamics and Knowledge Processes Section 4 Organizational Contexts 12 Knowledge Processes in Network/Virtual Organizations 13 Knowledge in Global Multinationals 14 Knowledge Intensive Firms and Knowledge Workers 15 Conclusion