The Thai words for efficiency and effectiveness are sometimes used interchangeably. While working with a government bank, focusing on the difference was a useful way to explore complementary paths to value creation by pursuing both the mechanical and the organic approaches at the same time.
An entire workshop was designed around the two words, while the goal of “value creation” was set instead of “knowledge creation.” Using these concepts avoided direct mention of “knowledge management” and kept the terms of dialogue in the existing language of the client culture.
Morning discussions were reinforced with afternoon field visits to village microfinance organizations supported by the bank, so that staff could address problems and opportunities in a new light.
