Paper Title
Knowledge Construction In Dialogical Workgroup Processes Within The Aerospace Context

Abstract
The role of dialogue towards producing complexified knowledge is examined along with its implications for management. This paper: 1) Presents the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of an effective knowledge complexifying dialogical process occurring at the interpersonal level; and 2) Attempts to propose how management can help achieve this within their organization. Across an ethnographic case study of workgroup members within a large North American aerospace firm, a dialogical model is proposed describing both verbal and non-verbal interactions leading towards knowledge complexification. Such an outcome is achieved in part by workgroup managers who nurture an environment conducive towards mutual trust and respect; and where individuals are given the time and freedom to express themselves, all the while being open to differing viewpoints and experiences. It is proposed that this, in turn, can be attained across a parental ‘safety net’ approach. This single case study prevents us from generalising outside of the firm’s context. Additional workgroups/teams within other institutions within the knowledge-based economy are to be envisaged. Index Terms - Dialogue, knowledge, perspective-giving, perspective-taking.