Tapping into Tacit Knowledge: Characteristics, Examples, and Transfer Methods

Tacit knowledge refers to knowledge that is challenging to communicate or transfer to others through verbal or written means. This type of knowledge includes skills like playing musical instruments or using complex equipment, which cannot be fully expressed or taught through words alone. Essentially, tacit knowledge represents the idea that individuals often know more than they can explicitly explain.

Meaning of tactic knowledge

Tacit knowledge refers to the knowledge, skills, and ideas that are deeply ingrained in an individual's experience and intuition, but are difficult to express or articulate in a tangible form. This type of knowledge is often unconscious, and individuals may not even be aware that they possess it.

Building trust and maintaining regular contact through mentorship and apprenticeship are effective ways to transfer tacit knowledge. This type of knowledge is often revealed unintentionally during specific situations, and can be acquired through imitation, observation, and practice. Experience plays a crucial role in acquiring tacit knowledge, as does the sharing of thought processes with other individuals.

Tacit knowledge, also referred to as personal knowledge, is derived from an individual's immersion, dedication, and conduct. This type of knowledge is a precious resource that can lead to significant advancements in both personal and professional spheres.

Understanding tactic knowledge

Tacit knowledge is a sort of warehouse that holds hidden, unspoken, and unwritten knowledge.

Every individual has a personal storehouse of knowledge within them, shaped by their observations, insights, experiences, intuition, and emotions that arise in their daily life. This knowledge becomes deeply ingrained in their consciousness as it is internalized.

Tacit knowledge, on the other hand, is acquired through association, shared activities, and interactions with others. People often absorb a vast amount of knowledge without even realizing it, adding to their personal storehouse of knowledge.

Over time, tacit knowledge develops and matures within the human mind. It lies dormant in the subconscious until it is called upon.

For two years, Sheila received Spanish lessons from a tutor who came to her home. Throughout the classes, her mother was present but did not participate.

During a family vacation to Spain a few years later, Sheila was amazed to discover that her mother could effortlessly understand and communicate in Spanish. It was a surprise to everyone, including her mother, who had no idea she possessed this language skill.

This is an example of tacit knowledge - a hidden part of our knowledge that we possess, whether we are aware of it or not. It is this framework that helps us acquire more information and skills throughout our lives.

Examples of tactic knowledge

You must have heard that some people are born leaders.

As individuals age, they may unknowingly acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to become exceptional leaders, as seen with historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Winston Churchill, and George Washington. The ability to innovate is often considered an elusive skill that is part of one's tacit knowledge. This may explain why some individuals may work for decades without any noteworthy achievements, while others can effortlessly produce innovative products.

Characteristics of tactic knowledge

The characteristics are as follows-

It is personal by nature as the information is known only to the particular individual

It is acquired with limited support and resources

It is experimental as a person himself is not aware of the extent of his knowledge

Tacit knowledge is not an easy feat as it becomes next to impossible to document it appropriately and communicate your findings admirably

Sharing and learning are an integral part of tacit knowledge

It is dynamically created

Tacit knowledge can be transmitted via training and experiences

It is known as experimental learning as it is cognitive and subjective

The context is specific by nature and difficult to share

The information in tacit knowledge is internalized

It has a high value

Involves individual interpretation as per the needs and requirements of a person

Difficult to learn and teach

Tacit knowledge is more of procedural knowledge and not a factual one

It is considered more of a practical intelligence rather than academic know-how

It is action-oriented and relies on its own experience

Advantages of tactic knowledge

The advantages of tacit knowledge are as follows-

Easy to gain tacit knowledge over the years

Tacit knowledge is considered as inexpensive because the bearer of the knowledge has not made any conscious effort for its gain by paying for it

No chance of any leak as it is internalized

Disadvantages of tactic knowledge

The disadvantages of tacit knowledge are as follows-

Transferring of tacit knowledge is not always possible as it is considered difficult to share

If a conscious decision is taken to transfer the tacit knowledge, then it proves an expensive activity

Ways to transfer tactic knowledge

Transferring tacit knowledge is not as simple as giving written or oral instructions. To successfully pass on this type of knowledge, it is important to use effective strategies that will make the transfer process smooth and efficient.

1. Online collaboration

Collaborating online provides a platform for individuals to engage in shared discussions, which in turn creates opportunities for learning. Social networking facilitates the transfer of implicit knowledge through collaborative communities.

Each individual on a social network is a point in the scheme of things and can easily spread knowledge by transmitting it to others.

2. Storytelling

Storytelling has been an effective means of sharing tacit knowledge, as it converts information into data and knowledge. In addition, nonverbal cues such as gestures, expressions, and tone of voice used during casual conversations aid in comprehending concepts more effectively.

3. Guided experience

Observing, practicing, partnering, taking responsibility for actions, and engaging in problem-solving with a mentor are effective methods for transferring tacit knowledge through guided experience.

4. Showing your work

By making your work visible and narrating the steps as you go, you can effectively transfer the tacit knowledge required to complete the task. This approach, commonly referred to as "working out loud," allows others to gain insight and acquire the necessary knowledge to successfully replicate the process. Sharing ample information and data is key to ensuring others can recognize and sense the steps involved.

5. Tracking lessons learned

Lessons learned are a valuable form of case study, providing practical and applicable insights. By documenting and sharing these experiences, individuals can help others benefit from their tacit knowledge, gained through years of experience. This sharing of knowledge is an effective way to spread expertise and improve overall understanding.

6. Reinvention

Transferring tacit knowledge can be a challenge, but reinventing it is a viable option. While it may involve trial and error, taking the time to reinvent can lead to achieving what was once thought impossible. Slow and steady progress can ultimately win the race, and reinvention can pave the way for success.