4 Different Types of Knowledge
Knowledge is the key to the success of an individual and the organization. Here are the 4 types of knowledge
In every organizational process, knowledge is essential, whether hiring staff or training the employees. Therefore, it is more crucial for the organization to build a knowledge management plan.
But before that, we must understand the types of knowledge. These include: explicit (documented information), implicit (applied information), tacit (understood information) and factual (based upon facts).
All these different types of knowledge work together to create the spectrum of how we pass information to each other and later learn and grow. So first, it’s important to note that it’s needed to understand the types of knowledge in the organization.
Design the knowledge management solution for long-term success by learning about the three main types of knowledge and how to acquire each in the organization.
When we make a knowledge management strategy, one should consider the differences between all the types of knowledge, and a practical base should be formed, which is helpful for both the short and long terms.
Explicit Knowledge
It is the most basic form of knowledge and is easy to pass along as it’s written down and very accessible. Explicit knowledge is called when data is processed, organized, structured, and interpreted. Explicit knowledge can be easily articulated, recorded, communicated, and stored, most notably in knowledge management.
For example, open a knowledge management platform and take a look around. The company data sheets, white papers, research reports, etc., are all explicit company knowledge.
Explicit knowledge consists of information like:
- SOPs
- Instruction manuals
- Guides
- White papers
- Datasheets
- Product specifications
- Case studies
- Formal documentation
For example, it’s a universal truth that there are 26 letters in the alphabet. Therefore, it is a true statement of explicit knowledge. Likely, Force = mass*acceleration is a true statement that shows our understanding of the universe, as it is a fundamental law of physics.
Implicit Knowledge
Implicit knowledge is the practical application of explicit knowledge. There are likely instances of implicit knowledge all around the organization.
For example, let’s say, consider asking a team member how to perform a task. This could ignite a conversation about the range of options to perform the task and potential outcomes, leading to a thoughtful process to get the best course of action. The team member’s implicit knowledge educates the conversation of how to do something and what can happen further.
Also, excellent best practices and transferable skills from job to job are prime examples of implicit knowledge.
Implicit knowledge includes data gleaned from:
- Skype
- Intranet
- Meeting notes
For example, implicit knowledge can be the location of the closest mall or superstore to a house. Think that a new neighbor moves in and asks where they can get groceries. Later you share implicit knowledge when you tell them about the grocery store two streets over.
Tacit Knowledge
Tacit knowledge is the knowledge that we procure from personal experience and context. It’s information that, if any time, would be very difficult to note down, articulate, or show in a tangible form.
For example, think of learning how to make your mother’s famous recipes. Indeed, she gave you the recipe book, but when you execute it on your own, you feel something is missing. After many years of experience, she has learned the right feel for the dough, or precisely how long something should be in the oven. It’s not the points she can write down; she can feel it.
In workplaces, tacit knowledge is the application of implicit knowledge that’s completely specific to your company. As employees move from one job to another, the application of their implicit knowledge will change depending upon what’s unique about business. For example, a sales representative now knows the skill of giving a great demo and knows the specific buying signs while talking to prospects.
It’s entirely possible for tacit document knowledge, but it can be challenging. To make use of your team’s tacit knowledge, invest in strategies like:
- Mentoring
- Exit interviews
- Ongoing quarterly interviews
This knowledge is seldom seen in generations who have consistently grown up around computers and seem to know-how gadgets, and gizmos work in their way intuitively.
Factual Knowledge
This form of knowledge is based upon facts and can be learned after a good amount of exposure. You cannot store everything in your memory, and so factual knowledge is available primarily in
- Books
- Online portals
- Journals
- A person with all the facts about the topic
For achieving your goals, you must be aware of the facts.
For instance, while giving the presentation, a business person should know the details about the facts and figures such as sales performance, current market scenario, budget, and more.
Hence, we can conclude that different types of knowledge are already present in the organization. When it’s time to execute a strategy for their knowledge management platform, they need to understand the types of information they categorize, the knowledge needs and how it affects their long-term success.
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