The Power of Knowledge: Learning from 'Learning by Knowledge-Intensive Firm'

This article reviews and discusses the contribution of William Starbuck's 'Learning by Knowledge-Intensive Firms'. Apart from situating Starbuck's article in its historical context and contemporary debates it is argued that the concept of esoteric knowledge and the focus on persuasion provides untapped potential for enhancing our understanding of knowledge work and knowledge-intensive firms. In conclusion, Starbuck's argument is used as input for a reconceptualization of the relationship between power, knowledge work, and knowledge-intensive firms. Copyright (c) 2010 The Author. Journal of Management Studies (c) 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd and Society for the Advancement of Management Studies.