The tacit mystery: reconciling different approaches to tacit knowledge

Abstract

In the management literature, tacit knowledge has been conceptualised in partial, divergent, and contradictory ways. This paper reconciles these different approaches by explaining how they address different aspects of the theory of tacit knowing developed through the seminal work of Michael Polanyi. To clarify Polanyi's work, we provide a more inclusive theoretical framework for scholars concerned with the creation and transfer of knowledge. Using this framework, we examine the implications for theory and practice of these different con-ceptualisations and suggest areas for future research. We conclude by proposing that new insights can be gained by reconsidering the concepts of knowing, tacit integration and indwelling where tacit knowing is developed by practical immersion.

Citation

Muñoz, C. A., Mosey, S., & Binks, M. (2015). The tacit mystery: reconciling different approaches to tacit knowledge. Knowledge Management Research and Practice, 13(3), 289-298. https://doi.org/10.1057/kmrp.2013.50

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 3, 2013
• Online Publication Date: Dec 19, 2017
• Publication Date: 2015-08
• Deposit Date: Feb 25, 2019
• Journal: Knowledge Management Research & Practice
• Print ISSN: 1477-8238
• Electronic ISSN: 1477-8246
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 13
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 289-298
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/kmrp.2013.50
• Keywords: tacit knowledge; explicit knowledge; knowledge management theory; knowl- edge transfer; knowledge acquisition; organisational learning
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1583848
• Publisher URL: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1057/kmrp.2013.50
• Additional Information: Peer Review Statement: The publishing and review policy for this title is described in its Aims & Scope.; Aim & Scope: http://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?show=aimsScope&journalCode=tkmr20