The Interplay between Knowledge Vulnerabilities and Trigger Parameters in the Occurrence of Knowledge Risks

Abstract

This study advances a new theoretical approach to understanding knowledge risk occurrence determined by the interplay between knowledge vulnerabilities and trigger parameters. While it is a continuation of a research project that investigated knowledge risk and the subsumed concept of “knowledge vulnerability”, this framework fills a theoretical gap in the literature by putting forward an explanation for the occurrence of a knowledge risk from a process-based perspective conceptualised through knowledge vulnerabilities, events, triggers and impact. This study integrates theories of system accidents for developing a new theoretical framework. The Swiss Cheese Model of System Accidents (Larouzee and Le Coze, 2020) provides a foundation for a new process-based perspective on the occurrence of knowledge risks. Although knowledge vulnerabilities could be interpreted as weak points within knowledge systems, they do not, in themselves, generate adverse consequences. Instead, they represent the underlying conditions that give rise to the occurrence of knowledge risks, the manifestation of which subsequently causes a negative organisational impact. According to Bratianu and Bejinaru (2022), a vulnerability reflects a weakness in a system, in relation to external forces that could lead to different types of damages. Accordingly, follows a sequence that involves a vulnerability, an event or trigger, and a resulting negative impact on organizational knowledge or organizational outcome (e.g. quality level). We also examined the trigger parameters of the occurrence of a knowledge risk: intensity (magnitude), duration (persistence), dose (cumulative effect). This process-based approach to knowledge risks occurrence is illustrated using the knowledge risk types most commonly discussed in the literature. This paper contributes to better understanding on how knowledge risks may occur by adopting a process-based perspective that links knowledge vulnerabilities to knowledge risk occurrence.