The Importance of Tacit Knowledge Tacit knowledge is knowledge that is difficult to transfer

Tacit knowledge is a type of knowledge that is difficult to express or communicate through words. It is a vital component of human expertise and plays a crucial role in enabling us to adapt to new situations, solve complex problems, and drive innovation and progress.

Introduction

Knowledge can be classified in three ways: explicit, tacit, and implicit. It is essential to understand, though, that  Knowledge only exists in the mind, and once codified in some way; for example, written down, it becomes information.

Of the three types of knowledge, tacit knowledge is probably the most important. It is crucial in enabling us to adapt to new situations, solve complex problems, and drive innovation and progress.

What is tacit knowledge?

Unlike explicit knowledge, tacit knowledge is knowledge that is difficult to express or communicate in words. It is often personal and subjective and is acquired through experience and practice. Tacit knowledge is often referred to as “know-how” or “knowing-how,” as it involves the ability to perform tasks or solve problems in a practical or hands-on manner.

Examples of tacit knowledge include:

• Skills, such as the ability to play a musical instrument or perform a specific task with your hands
• Habits, such as the way you organize your work or solve problems
• Understanding of complex systems or processes, such as how a machine works or how a team functions effectively
• Intuition, such as the ability to make decisions based on incomplete or ambiguous information

Why is tacit knowledge important?

There are several reasons why tacit knowledge is important.

• It is more complex and nuanced than explicit knowledge and is, therefore, more difficult to replicate or transfer to others.
• It is more practical and applied than explicit knowledge and is, therefore, more relevant and valuable in real-world situations.
• It is more context-specific than explicit knowledge and is more applicable to specific tasks or problems.
• It is more difficult to formalize or document and is, therefore, difficult to capture and share with others.

Tacit knowledge is a vital component of human expertise and is crucial in enabling us to adapt to new situations, solve complex problems, and drive innovation and progress.

However, it is important to recognize that tacit knowledge has its limitations. It is often specific to our personal experiences and may not always be applicable in other contexts. Additionally, relying too heavily on tacit knowledge can lead to biases and narrow-minded thinking, as we may fail to consider different perspectives.

What is the role of tacit knowledge in reasoning?

Tacit knowledge plays a significant role in reasoning because it forms the basis for how we make sense of the world.

When we engage in reasoning, we draw on our prior knowledge and experiences to make judgments, solve problems, and make decisions. Tacit knowledge plays a vital role in this process because it helps us to understand and interpret new information in the context of what we already know.

For example, if we encounter a new concept or problem, we may draw on our tacit knowledge of similar concepts or issues to help us understand and make sense of it.

What is the role of tacit knowledge in decision-making?

In decision-making, tacit knowledge plays a significant role. It helps us make informed decisions based on our past experiences and expertise, even when the available information is incomplete or ambiguous.

When we make judgments or decisions, we often rely on our gut instincts, which are often based on our tacit knowledge. For example, if we are trying to decide whether to trust someone or something, we may draw on our past experiences and observations to help us evaluate the situation and make a judgment.

What is the role of conversation in sharing tacit knowledge?

One of the primary ways in which we share tacit knowledge by making it more explicit is through conversation. Conversation allows us to convey our thoughts, feelings, and experiences to others in a more personal and immersive way than written communication. It allows us to explain complex ideas, ask questions, and receive feedback in real-time, which can facilitate a deeper understanding of a topic.

There are several ways in which conversation can facilitate the sharing of tacit knowledge.

First, conversation lets us describe our experiences and thought processes in greater detail. For example, suppose we are trying to explain a difficult concept to someone. In that case, we can use conversation to elaborate on our thought process and provide examples that help illustrate our point. This can help the listener gain a deeper understanding of the concept and develop their own insight and expertise.

Second, conversation allows us to exchange questions and answers, facilitating the sharing of tacit knowledge. By asking questions and seeking clarification, we can better understand someone’s perspective and thought process. Conversely, by answering questions and providing explanations, we can share our own expertise and insight with others.

Third, conversation allows for exchanging nonverbal cues and body language, which can help convey meaning and emotion. For example, when someone is explaining a concept and becomes animated or excited, their body language and facial expressions can help convey their enthusiasm and help the listener better understand their perspective. Similarly, if someone feels frustrated or unsure, their nonverbal cues can signal to the listener that they may need additional clarification or guidance.

In addition to facilitating the sharing of tacit knowledge, conversation can also help us develop and refine our understanding of a topic. By engaging in dialogue with others and considering their perspectives, we can gain new insights and approaches to problem-solving. This can help us build upon our expertise and deepen our understanding of a topic.

I look more deeply at the role of conversation in sharing knowledge in the following post:

Credit: ChatGPT has assisted me in composing this post by acting as a thinking partner and writing assistant.

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•  Knowledge Only Exists in the Mind Everything else is information

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