The knowledge externalisation cycle (KnEx) : development of a systematic cyclic research method to guide researchers

Knowledge workers (such as group facilitators) reflect and externalise prior knowledge as a means to plan for future activities. Reflection and knowledge externalisation can be increased by engaging in reflection with other people through dialogue. Reflecting and planning in a group can assist with articulation and transference of tacit knowledge. The Knowledge Externalisation Cycle (KnEx) is developed as a method within social constructivism, to capture and communicate the complexities of knowledge within this context. The KnEx takes as its point of departure, Engestrom's expansive learning cycle (ELC), which was developed as a method for studying and transforming work activities. The original objective of the expansive learning cycle was as a means for practitioners to consider their own ways of working, with data, conceptual tools, and guidance provided by the researchers. This paper describes the contradictions identified between the original objective of the ELC (to directly assist the practitioners) and the objective of the KnEx (to create a systematic cyclic research method to be used by the researcher). This paper aims to explain the transformation of the ELC to the KnEx, and provide a detailed description of each phase within the cycle.