Question

What is the difference between tacit and explicit knowledge? From your own experience, describe an example of each. How might an organization manage tacit knowledge?

Answer 1

Tacit and Explicit are different types of knowledge.

Explicit knowledge is a knowledge which is acquired with the help of written documents that have been codified . Explicit knowledge is easily documented, transformed and conveyed. It can easily stored and transmitted varies from places to places and person to person. It is easy to get back from media and encyclopaedias. It is more formal and context independent. It can be easily shared and reproducible. Examples are documents, journals, procedures, policies etc.

Tacit knowledge is opposite of formal or codified knowledge. Tacit means unspoken. It won't be able to transfer to another person by writing it down. It is personal known by an individual and is very difficult to document and communicate. It is about know-how, know-what, know-who and know-why. Example : ability to swim or riding a bicycle that cannot be taught or transferred through written words.