A Knowledge Perspective on Needs as a Foundation for Organisational Learning Processes

Needs are crucial in organisational learning processes, but yet not formally conceptualised as a distinct type of knowledge. In this conceptual paper, I establish a knowledge perspective on needs and the transformation process from needs towards need satisfaction. Based on an ontology clarifying the concept of need and its means of satisfaction, I introduce need-based solution knowledge consisting of three distinct capacities to act. I argue why these capacities should be made explicit in group settings and point at possible leverage points for organisational practice.