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Tacit and Explicit Knowledge: Share Experience and Put It to Use

Summary

Learn the difference between tacit and explicit knowledge, understand the SECI model, and improve handovers with reasons, examples, and practical trials.

Published

Share Explanations alongside Opportunities to Practice

Tacit knowledge is rooted in experience and can be difficult to articulate fully. Explicit knowledge can be expressed in documents or diagrams. A handover benefits from instructions, reasoning, and practice.

More files do not necessarily create usable knowledge. Provide opportunities to read, ask questions, and try the work, then improve unclear explanations.

Use the SECI Model to Examine Knowledge Sharing

SECI names Socialization, Externalization, Combination, and Internalization. Nonaka’s paper examines interaction between tacit and explicit knowledge. (Nonaka 1994: A Dynamic Theory of Organizational Knowledge Creation)

These modes involve shared experience, articulation, combining explicit knowledge, and learning through practice. They form a model of knowledge interaction, rather than a mandatory checklist.

Document Reasons and Exceptions

For intake checks, explain what triggers a request for more information and who handles exceptions. A screenshot of a correct result cannot explain every case.

Add case conditions and reasons. Set access boundaries for records containing personal information and use anonymized examples for instruction.

Update Material from the Next Person’s Trial

Let the next owner use the material and record questions or stopping points. Review by an expert alone may overlook a newcomer’s needs.

Publish only approved explanations in a public methods or service website. Its purpose differs from internal document storage and work management.

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Frequently asked questions

Q: Can all tacit knowledge be written down?

A: Some aspects depend on experience. Combine explanations with observation and practice.

Q: Is SECI a fixed training sequence?

A: It is a model of knowledge interaction. Choose sharing methods according to the work.

Q: What if documents are unused?

A: Investigate findability, outdated content, and differences from real work; revise through trials.

Q: Can work examples be published?

A: Check permission and scope. Do not publish personal records or internal decision material unchanged.

Sources

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