Knowledge, management, and learning when the context of the organization is planetary

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to expound the view that knowledge of a special kind, which the author terms open knowledge, has a central place in the conduct of human activities at the global level. Design/methodology/approach – The author advances the concept of open knowledge in a global context by examining key constructs in the field, such as knowledge, management, learning and complexification, considering some consequences and implications, and applying his personal experience, interpretations, and insights. Findings – The paper finds that this particular kind of knowledge, open knowledge, is becoming increasingly important due to operational complexities associated with global outreach. Appearance of and application of open knowledge brings consequential modifications of familiar and established local‐regional managerial practices. Originality/value – The author expounds the concept of open knowledge which is “knowledge proven useful regardless of field of study and discipline to know how best and effectively to manage global processes of human activity defining global organizations”.