Explicit knowledge

Definition

Explicit knowledge refers to information that is easily articulated, codified, and shared, typically in the form of documents, databases, or manuals. This type of knowledge can be readily transmitted and is often found in organizational processes and best practices, making it crucial for effective learning and implementation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Explicit knowledge can be captured in various formats such as reports, training manuals, and standard operating procedures, making it accessible for training and reference.
2. Organizations use explicit knowledge to standardize processes and ensure consistency in performance across different teams or departments.
3. Sharing explicit knowledge fosters collaboration and innovation by providing a common foundation for understanding among team members.
4. Technological tools like databases and intranets facilitate the storage and dissemination of explicit knowledge within organizations.
5. Explicit knowledge can serve as a foundation for developing tacit knowledge through practical application and experience.

Review Questions

• How does explicit knowledge contribute to capturing and sharing best practices within an organization?
  • Explicit knowledge provides a structured way to document best practices in a manner that is easily understandable and retrievable. By codifying experiences, organizations can create guidelines and templates that help employees replicate successful strategies. This clarity promotes alignment among team members and encourages the consistent application of proven methods across various projects.
• Evaluate the role of technology in enhancing the sharing of explicit knowledge among teams.
  • Technology plays a vital role in enhancing the sharing of explicit knowledge by providing platforms such as intranets, collaborative software, and databases. These tools enable organizations to efficiently store, manage, and retrieve information. As a result, teams can access relevant documents and insights quickly, fostering a culture of collaboration that leverages shared expertise to drive better decision-making.
• Synthesize how the effective management of explicit knowledge can impact overall organizational performance.
  • Effective management of explicit knowledge can significantly enhance organizational performance by streamlining operations and facilitating better decision-making. When organizations systematically capture and share explicit knowledge, they reduce redundancies, minimize errors, and foster innovation through informed collaboration. This leads to improved productivity, higher quality outputs, and the ability to adapt more rapidly to changes in the market or industry.

Related terms

Tacit Knowledge: Tacit knowledge is personal, context-specific, and often difficult to formalize or communicate, relying on individual experience and insights.

Knowledge Management: Knowledge management involves strategies and practices aimed at identifying, creating, sharing, and utilizing knowledge to enhance organizational performance.

Best Practices: Best practices are methods or techniques that have consistently shown superior results and are recommended as models for others to follow.