Knowledge of Need

Towards a Knowledge-based Theory of Developing Sustainable Visions: The Theory Wave

“…They are not to be confused with the desires they generate. So knowledge about needs cannot be accessed directly [30]. However, implicit need knowledge is an already existing and important as well as invisible fundament and part of the decisions we make in our life.…”

“…Like medical conditions, needs generate feelings and desires and are expressed or manifested by signs and symptoms; those might either point to a lack of resources, like in the case of an illness, or positively seen, to the prosperity of the human being [30]. McLeod argues that knowledge of needs is inferential, meaning that needs can be derived from their manifestation.…”

“…For example, having the patient reporting about symptoms, the doctor may discoverby her expertise -the medical needs the patient has. Symptoms as well as signs of needs and desires can be reported and observed, respectively [30].…”

“…Of course there are several categories of needs [30], [33]. For the purpose of this paper, we focus on substantial needs as requirements to be met for the individual's fulfillment and well-being and the organization's sustainable existence.…”

“…McLeod suggests that "needs are not themselves experienced". He argues that "needs may be indirectly manifested in desires, in feelings and in other psychological states" [30]. "What I need depends not on thought or the working of my mind (or not only on these), as wanting or desiring do, but depends on the way things really are" [32].…”