Divergent types of knowledge in the workplace demand different approaches to effectively capture and share. In this article, we will delve deep into organizational knowledge, examples and how to capture:
- Explicit knowledge,
- Implicit knowledge,
- Tacit knowledge,
- Importance of knowledge in a company,
- Frequently asked questions about types of knowledge.
Typically, before putting an idea or policy into action, managers or leaders need to develop a well-defined approach; that's why a detailed knowledge transfer plan is a must.
Prior to delving deeper into the world of organizational knowledge, check out our curated knowledge transfer plan template to ensure knowledge management is on the right track right at your first attempt.
As a matter of fact, there exists a handful of categories to classify types of knowledge at the workplace; however, in this article, we emphasize the gulf of knowledge types by analyzing their nature. Let's dig deep into institutional knowledge!
Explicit Knowledge - The Foundation of Institutional Knowledge
Explicit knowledge serves as the foundation for organizational knowledge because it is easily transferable and can be shared across the organization. So, what exactly is explicit knowledge?
Definition of explicit knowledge
Explicit knowledge is the type of knowledge that can be easily codified, documented, and shared within an organization.
It is often referred to as "know-what" knowledge because it represents factual information, data, and instructions that can be articulated and expressed in a formal and systematic manner.
Examples of explicit knowledge in organizations
As explicit knowledge can be captured easily, you can find them in:
- Policies, procedures, and manuals
- Databases and knowledge repositories
- Intellectual property and patents
Strategies for capturing and organizing explicit knowledge
Documentation and knowledge codification
One of the primary strategies for capturing explicit knowledge is through documentation and knowledge codification.
This process involves systematically recording and organizing knowledge in written or digital formats, such as manuals, reports, presentations, and knowledge bases.
Discover how to deliver a standard knowledge base article.
Knowledge management systems and tools
Businesses can employ various knowledge management systems and tools to store, organize, and transfer knowledge. These tools may include document management systems, content management systems, wikis, and knowledge portals.
Being renowned for AI-powered technology, user-friendliness, and high customizability, Smart Knowledge - no.1 knowledge base system in France, is a decent choice for businesses to preserve intellectual capital and maintain high knowledge retention.
Master knowledge management to one step ahead:
- What is knowledge management?
- How to develop a knowledge management framework that benefits your business?
- How to successfully craft a knowledge management strategy?
- 11 essential knowledge management metrics and KPIs for your organization
Metadata and taxonomy for efficient retrieval
To ensure that explicit knowledge is easily searchable and retrievable, organizations should implement metadata and taxonomy strategies.
Metadata provides descriptive information about knowledge assets, while taxonomy organizes knowledge into structured categories and hierarchies, facilitating efficient search and retrieval.
Implicit Knowledge - The Unconscious Foundations
What is implicit knowledge?
Implicit knowledge is well defined as a sort of knowledge that is not written down but can be inferred from explicit knowledge. Implicit knowledge involves understanding how explicit knowledge can be applied in various contexts.
Find out more about the benefits of implicit knowledge in an organization.
Examples of implicit knowledge in organizations
In business settings, implicit knowledge can be recognized in:
- Best practices derived from experience,
- Inferred guidelines from documented procedures.
Strategies for surfacing and leveraging implicit knowledge
Reflective practices and self-awareness exercises
Encouraging employees to reflect on their actions and decisions can greatly contribute to bringing implicit knowledge to the surface. Techniques such as journaling, debriefing sessions, and mindfulness practices can foster greater self-awareness.
Challenging assumptions and questioning mental models
Creating a culture where employees feel safe to question existing assumptions and mental models can uncover implicit knowledge. Several activities businesses should take into account are workshops, facilitated discussions, and scenario planning exercises.
Process mapping and analysis of organizational routines
Analyzing and documenting workflows and routines can reveal implicit knowledge embedded in everyday practices. Process mapping helps visualize how tasks are performed and identify areas where implicit knowledge can be made explicit.
Tacit Knowledge - The Hidden Gem of Organizational Expertise
What is tacit knowledge?
Tacit knowledge is widely known as the knowledge that resides within individuals, based on their experiences, skills, and expertise. It is highly personal, context-specific, and difficult to articulate or codify.
Tacit knowledge is deeply rooted in an individual's actions, intuitions, and thought processes, making it challenging to transfer through formal means.
Tacit knowledge examples
Several examples of tacit knowledge can be easily seen within corporates are:
- Technical expertise and know-how
- Problem-solving skills and best practices
Top tactics for capturing and sharing tacit knowledge
Mentoring and apprenticeship programs
Pairing less experienced employees with seasoned mentors allows for the transfer of tacit knowledge through observation, imitation, and practice. This hands-on learning helps new employees internalize the skills and insights of their mentors.
Communities of practice and knowledge-sharing platforms
Creating forums where employees can regularly meet and discuss their work fosters the sharing of tacit knowledge. These can be physical meetings or virtual platforms where people with similar roles or interests collaborate and learn from each other.
Storytelling and knowledge narratives
Encouraging employees to share their experiences and stories can be an effective way to transfer tacit knowledge. Storytelling helps convey complex insights and lessons in a relatable and memorable way.
Discover more techniques to spread tacit knowledge in your company.
Recognizing, categorizing and assessing divergent types of knowledge in an organization is of paramount importance to find the best practices to disseminate institutional knowledge. By efficiently managing and leveraging organizational wisdom, a business can gain a comprehensive understanding and foster innovation and growth.
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Why is Knowledge Important in Workplace?
As different types of knowledge ooze with enormous benefits, managers, leaders, and even stakeholders should seek suitable ways to preserve, disseminate and leverage it. Check out several key reasons why businesses should recognize exact knowledge types and capture them.
- Improved performance and efficiency: Employees with relevant knowledge can complete tasks more accurately, quickly, and with fewer errors. They can identify and solve problems more effectively, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.
Also, with a broad knowledge base, employees can think outside the box, develop new ideas, and identify novel solutions to complex problems.
Explore how an internal knowledge base boosts productivity.
- Enhanced decision-making: A powerful knowledge base, such as Smart Tribune, empowers employees to make informed decisions based on facts, data, and past experiences.
This reduces the risk of costly mistakes, enables change management and leads to better outcomes for the organization.
- Stronger customer service: Knowledge empowers employees to provide excellent customer service. They can answer customer questions precisely, troubleshoot issues effectively, and offer informed recommendations. These skillsets and expertise that knowledge base arms sales reps with definitely contribute to higher customer satisfaction, loyalty and advocacy.
- Improved collaboration and knowledge sharing: Knowledge serves as a common ground for collaboration. Employees with a shared knowledge base can work together more effectively, avoid information silo, share best practices, seal knowledge gaps and learn from each other, resulting in a more cohesive and productive work environment.
Check out 10 steps to improve knowledge sharing across your organization.
- Reduced costs: Knowledge can help organizations avoid costly mistakes and rework. By having the right information readily available, employees can complete tasks correctly the first time, reducing the need for training, and troubleshooting.
FAQs about Types of Knowledge
1. What are main types of knowledge?
Three sorts of knowledge in an organization based on its nature are explicit knowledge, implicit knowledge and tacit knowledge. Different types require different tactics to preserve and spread.
2. How to manage knowledge in organization?
Effective knowledge management involves:
- Capturing knowledge: Document processes, interview experts, create training materials.
- Organizing knowledge: Categorize, tag, and implement version control for easy access.
- Sharing knowledge: Foster a culture of sharing through mentorship, cross-training, and knowledge-sharing sessions.
- Optimizing knowledge: Use technology, measure usage, and continuously improve based on feedback.
Final Thoughts - Master Types of Knowledge to Turbocharge Your Business
Imagine your organization not as a scattered collection of individual minds, but as a powerful orchestra. Each employee brings their own unique knowledge – the explicit melodies, the implicit harmonies, and the tacit rhythms honed through experience. By effectively managing these different types of knowledge, you can create a symphony of innovation, collaboration, and success. So, take charge of your organizational knowledge – document, share, and learn together.
Hope that after reading this article, you get the larger canvas of knowledge management within business. Should you have any further inquiries related to types of knowledge or knowledge management, drop us a line for assistance.
