INTERCULTURALITY AND KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT: A FIELD UNDER CONSTRUCTION FOR ECUADORIAN HIGHER EDUCATION

Abstract

This research work aims to raise a discussion about the task of higher education with respect to knowledge management when it is exercised in territories of cultural diversity, typical of the Latin American region, especially in Ecuador. It´s importance lies in the relevance to carry out knowledge management from the academy in intercultural territories. The methodology used was the documentary review of research developed in the Otavalo canton, Imbabura Province- The principles of interculturality raised in the theoretical references were considered categories of analysis. The results showed a conceptual and methodological deficiency in the application of knowledge management from the paradigm of Southern Epistemologies. Based on the results found, the discussion on interventionist action in the indigenous communities according to the intercultural perspective is proposed. The conclusions strengthen the need for the applications of Southern Epistemologies as an appropriate paradigm for intervention in the indigenous communities in order to achieve knowledge management that is consistent whit respect for cultural diversity and the real developments needs of indigenous people.