Tacit to explicit conversion

Tacit to Explicit Conversion

Tacit to explicit conversion is a key concept in knowledge management. It involves transforming tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge. Tacit knowledge is personal and hard to express. Explicit knowledge is documented and easy to share.

Understanding Tacit Knowledge

Tacit knowledge includes skills, experiences, and insights. It is often gained through personal experience. For example, riding a bike or playing an instrument. This type of knowledge is not easily written down.

What is Explicit Knowledge?

Explicit knowledge is formal and systematic. It can be easily communicated and shared. Examples include manuals, documents, and databases. This type of knowledge is easy to store and retrieve.

The Conversion Process

The process of tacit to explicit conversion involves several steps. First, individuals must articulate their tacit knowledge. Next, this knowledge is documented. Finally, it is shared with others in the organization.

Benefits of Tacit to Explicit Conversion

Converting tacit knowledge to explicit knowledge has many benefits. It helps in preserving valuable insights. It also makes knowledge accessible to others. This leads to better decision-making and innovation.

Examples in Practice

Consider a senior engineer with years of experience. By documenting their insights, the organization retains valuable knowledge. Another example is a chef writing a cookbook. Their tacit cooking skills become explicit knowledge for others to learn.