Knowledge Management: A Decision-Making Process According to Buddhism

Abstract

This research article is part of the Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies Program it aims to 1) the decision-making process in line with knowledge management 2) to study the decision-making process according to Buddhist principles 3) to integrate the decision-making process and to present body of knowledge about “the integrated decision-making process model in line with knowledge management and Buddhism.” This research used qualitative research methods by analyzing primary documents, namely Tipitaka, and secondary documents, i.e. commentaries, textbooks, and other related research documents, and interviewing experts in Buddhism and knowledge management.

The results of the study found that: The concept of knowledge management according to the SECI Model is a method that figures out decision-making based on a participatory mindset and operation systematically. There is the social knowledge exchange, knowledge externalization, knowledge combination, and knowledge internalization. It deals with creating and transferring knowledge explicitly to individuals. This makes a highly accurate decision because without entrusting to anyone.

The decision-making process according to Buddhism is a decision based on thoughts, knowledge, and practices that are based on wholesome and correctness. The available and obtained information must be filtered from the wholesome and unwholesome and honesty or corruption. If it is unwholesome and corruption, it must be avoided. However, if it is wholesome and honest, it must be continued. Correct decision-making must be based on the foundation of a high morality, a high mentality, and a high wisdom.

Integrating decision-making with Buddhist knowledge management starts with the search for and collection of data based on the Four Noble Truths and the verification using the principles of Appamanna Brahmavihara, namely, loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity. The Compile information by making them clear until becoming the mental image. The learning process is needed to analyze and synthesize data to make correct decisions. It can be summarized as the body of knowledge, namely, the Five Right Decisions, called Pancasammā or Pentameric R Model, comprising of right data, right sorting, right operation, right exertion and intrepidity.