Meaning ● Epistemological Displacement, within the sphere of Small and Medium-sized Businesses, manifests as a fundamental shift in the sources, methods, and justifications used for acquiring and validating business knowledge. For SMBs undergoing growth, embracing automation, or implementing new strategies, this can mean that previously reliable data or expertise becomes irrelevant or misleading. In practice, formerly trusted market analysis may no longer accurately reflect consumer behavior. Automation introduces data streams that challenge conventional wisdom in operational practices. ● The effective implementation of AI or other technological solutions will alter accepted standards of employee competencies and training methodologies. The capability to leverage new technologies effectively involves a corresponding transition in understanding the operational logic that they are based on. This requires continuous assessment and adaptation of the knowledge base, which may involve discarding obsolete information to better align with current SMB business models and innovations. Ignoring this displacement risks operational inefficiencies and strategic missteps. A pragmatic understanding acknowledges the inherent tension between legacy practices and innovative solutions. Navigating this complex landscape requires SMBs to foster a culture of continuous learning.
