Knowledge management and the prescription paradox: lessons from patterns adoption

Pattern languages were first developed as a means of capturing and communicating knowledge about physical architecture. Recently their use has been extended to other domains and in particular the design and implementation of software architectures. Interviews with practising architects were used to test the observed benefits and weaknesses of Architectural Pattern Languages, with particular emphasis on identifying limitations of the technique that may restrict their application in these new fields. The key issue emerging centred on paradoxical observations about prescription. Excessive prescription was seen to inhibit positive innovation and creativity, and yet reducing prescription was seen to promote misinterpretation and reinvention. We resolve these perspectives and contend that differences in the level of prescription designed into knowledge management systems need to be analysed with reference to organisational objectives if they are to enhance an organisation’s ability to lever competitive benefits through internal communication of socio-economic expertise.