Question

This week’s reading present two different types of knowledge, each with different characteristics: a) explicit knowledge b) tacit or implicit knowledge Please define each providing specific examples and explain how each contributes to innovation in a different way.

Answer 1

Explicit Knowledge: Explicit knowledge is basic form of knowledge. It is Objective and technical in nature. It is expressive, can be expressing it. One can store it and access it later. One can transfer this knowledge to other very easily. Some of characteristics of explicit knowledge are easy to teach, easy to share and easy to documented. Example are, data sheet, reports, research paper, file saved in computer etc. we called this type of knowledge, an academic knowledge. One can read and get idea and then implement it in innovation process. Any type of knowledge never goes waste. and any firm or company needs both types of Knowledge, a mixture of knowledge. Many things which one can learn from reading, watching or by listening.

Tacit Knowledge: Tacit knowledge can firmly fit in human mind via experiences. This learning fit within the human mind. It cannot be share to others by writing it down or dictating orally. One can gain this knowledge only by experience. it is subjective knowledge. This learning is experiential learning; it cannot be transfer to others by dictation. Examples are individual wisdom, individual experience, individual observation, individual intuitions etc. The characteristics of this type of knowledge are hard to teach, cannot be documented, cannot be share, one cannot capture it. This type of knowledge comes with the person and goes with the person. It is based on common sense.

It can be use to take competitive advantages as it cannot be copied by other party. Language one speak, body language, personality, leadership skills, innovative ideas etc. are the type of knowledge which cannot be taught or cannot be copy. These are the assets of that individual person. So through different ideas, different visions, and through innovative techniques, this knowledge can contribute in any firm, or in company or in doing any activity. Its contribution can be taken by identifying the knowledge in individual, by activating and incorporating new knowledge in innovation, by implementation of tacit knowledge into practice.