Reflection and refraction for knowledge management systems

As a well-established and important concept for management of knowledge, reflection can be complemented with a new conceptualization of refraction. Refraction can then be comprehended as more cross-cultural, creative and critical types of reflection, learning and knowledge management. This work then aims to bring together different aspects and improve the general comprehension and applicability of a reflection-refraction framework, benefiting from literature review of different disciplines. In the paper, accordingly, first theories on reflection, second conceptualizations of refraction, and based on these two a framework on reflection and refraction applicable to the interplay between learning, knowing, practicing and managing are presented.