The role of know-why in knowledge development within biomedicine: Lessons for organizations

This paper identifies know-why as a critical dimension of knowledge, and interprets it by drawing on the literature in knowledge from diverse disciplines. We argue that know-why can complement other dimensions of knowledge, such as know-how, in enabling inquiry, innovation and knowledge development. A discussion of the role of know-why in knowledge development within biomedicine supports our argument. Insights drawn from biomedicine's history and organizational cases are used to develop propositions about knowledge development processes within organizations.