Personal Knowledge is Referred to as Tacit Knowledge: What It Means and Why It Matters
Introduction
The concept of knowledge is complex and multi-faceted. One such type of knowledge is tacit knowledge, which is also referred to as personal knowledge. Unlike explicit knowledge, which can be easily transferred through words or documents, tacit knowledge is deeply ingrained in an individual’s experience, skills, and intuition. In this article, we will explore the definition of tacit knowledge, its importance in the modern world, and how it differs from explicit knowledge.
What is Tacit Knowledge?
Tacit knowledge refers to knowledge that is difficult to transfer, formalize, or communicate to others. It is deeply embedded in an individual’s beliefs, values, and experiences. Examples of tacit knowledge include skills, intuition, expertise, and know-how that is gained through experience rather than formal training. For instance, a seasoned chef may have the tacit knowledge of exactly when to flip a pancake without burning it, a professional football player may have the tacit knowledge of how to read the opponent’s weaknesses and gain an advantage, and an experienced salesperson may have the tacit knowledge of how to negotiate and close a deal.
Why Tacit Knowledge Matters
Tacit knowledge is particularly important in today’s rapidly changing business environment, where knowledge is a key source of competitiveness. By leveraging tacit knowledge, organizations can build a sustainable competitive advantage by harnessing the unique skills, experiences, and expertise of their employees. Tacit knowledge is also instrumental in promoting innovation, creativity, and problem-solving skills. By tapping into the tacit knowledge of their employees, organizations can foster an environment of continuous learning and improvement.
Tacit Knowledge vs. Explicit Knowledge
Explicit knowledge refers to knowledge that can be easily communicated and transferred through words, documents, or other tangible forms. Examples of explicit knowledge include facts, figures, formulas, and procedures. While explicit knowledge is valuable, it has limited utility without the context and tacit knowledge that underpins it. In contrast, tacit knowledge is deeply contextual, personalized, and embedded in an individual’s experience.
Examples of Tacit Knowledge
There are numerous examples of tacit knowledge in various fields, including:
Medical Field
In the medical field, tacit knowledge may include the ability to diagnose a patient’s condition based on subtle cues such as their body language, tone of voice, or other non-verbal cues.
Business Management
In business management, tacit knowledge may include the ability to build relationships with clients, to manage conflict, or to lead a team through challenging times.
Creative Field
In creative fields such as music or art, tacit knowledge may include the ability to improvise, to convey emotions through their work, or to evoke a certain mood or atmosphere.
Conclusion
In summary, tacit knowledge is a valuable, yet elusive form of knowledge that is deeply ingrained in an individual’s experience, skills, and intuition. Organizations that leverage their employees’ tacit knowledge can build a sustainable competitive advantage by fostering an environment of continuous learning and improvement. By understanding the importance of tacit knowledge, individuals can better appreciate the intrinsic value of their own skills and expertise.
