New knowledge creation through dialectical leadership : A case of IT and multimedia business in Japan

Purpose – Aims to provide new practical viewpoints regarding the knowledge management and leadership theory of project management through an in‐depth case study Design/methodology/approach – Argues that community leaders can develop a concept of a business community comprised of diverse types of business and processes to achieve business innovation. Studies a regional initiative in Japan towards electronic networking that illustrates the use of information and multimedia technologies as an instance of the latest business case of strategic community management. Findings – Community leaders serve an important function in creating networked strategic communities. The case study shows how community leaders have created networked strategic communities in which the central government, regional governments, universities, hospitals, private businesses and non‐profit organizations take part in the advancement of regional electronic networking. Originality/value – Provides new practical viewpoints regarding the knowledge management and leadership theory of project management.