ABSTRACT
Drawing on recent debates about the relationship between propositional and practical knowl-
edge, this article is concerned with broad concepts of agency. Specifically, it is concerned with
agency that involves the forming and putting into effect of intentions over relatively extended
periods, particularly in work contexts (called, for want of a better term, ‘project manage-
ment’). The main focus of interest is thus not on ‘know-how’ in the sense of ability to
perform types of tasks but on the ability to form and carry through projects. Much, although
by no means all, of the limited literature on this topic assumes that such abilities are largely
independent of social interaction. This article will challenge that assumption. The article con-
cludes with a reflection on the implications of an adequate account of project management
ability for contemporary debates on the relationship between propositional and practical
knowledge, and examines the implications for vocational and professional education that
prepares people for this type of broadly based agency for their personal development.
