The ability to manage knowledge is crucial in today ’ s knowledge economy. The creation
and diffusion of knowledge have become increasingly important factors in
competitiveness. More and more, knowledge is being thought of as a valuable commodity
that is embedded in products (especially high-technology products) and
embedded in the tacit knowledge of highly mobile employees. While knowledge is
increasingly being viewed as a commodity or intellectual asset, there are some paradoxical
characteristics of knowledge that are radically different from other valuable
commodities.