Explicit knowledge, a type of knowledge that can be codified and expressed through formal language, symbols, and formulas, serves as a foundational concept in knowledge management. It is distinct from tacit knowledge, which represents subjective insights and expertise. Explicit knowledge can be documented, stored, and transferred easily, making it essential for sharing and preserving information within organizations. The process of converting tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge is crucial for knowledge transfer and the creation of knowledge repositories.
What is Explicit Knowledge?
Explicit knowledge is knowledge that can be easily expressed and communicated in a clear and concise manner. It is often written down or codified in some way, such as in a book, article, manual, or database. This makes it easy to share and transfer from one person to another.
Explicit knowledge can be divided into two main types:
- Factual knowledge: This type of knowledge includes facts, data, and information that can be easily verified. It is often found in textbooks, encyclopedias, and other reference materials.
- Procedural knowledge: This type of knowledge includes knowledge of how to do something. It often involves following a set of steps or instructions. It can be found in manuals, cookbooks, and other how-to guides.
Characteristics of Explicit Knowledge
Explicit knowledge has several key characteristics that distinguish it from other types of knowledge:
- Codified: Explicit knowledge is often written down or codified in some way, making it easy to share and transfer.
- Objectified: Explicit knowledge is often presented in an objective and impersonal manner, without reference to the person who created it.
- Transmissible: Explicit knowledge can be easily shared and transferred from one person to another through written or verbal communication.
- Independent of context: Explicit knowledge is often independent of the context in which it was created, meaning that it can be applied to different situations.
Examples of Explicit Knowledge
Here are some examples of explicit knowledge:
- A recipe for a chocolate cake
- A step-by-step guide on how to build a birdhouse
- The definition of the word “explicit”
- The chemical formula for water
Table: Comparison of Explicit and Tacit Knowledge
The following table compares explicit and tacit knowledge:
| Feature | Explicit Knowledge | Tacit Knowledge |
|---|---|---|
| Codification | Codified (written down or otherwise formalized) | Not codified (difficult or impossible to express in words) |
| Transferability | Easily transferred from one person to another | Difficult to transfer from one person to another |
| Context dependence | Independent of context | Dependent on context |
| Examples | Recipes, manuals, textbooks | Skills, know-how, expertise |
Question 1:
What is the definition of explicit knowledge?
Answer:
Explicit knowledge is codified, systematic, and easily communicated. It is often written down or stored in databases and can be easily accessed and shared. Explicit knowledge is typically objective and factual, and it can be easily transferred from one person to another.
Question 2:
How does explicit knowledge differ from tacit knowledge?
Answer:
Explicit knowledge is codified and can be easily communicated, while tacit knowledge is personal, subjective, and difficult to articulate. Explicit knowledge is often found in books, articles, and databases, while tacit knowledge is often found in people’s minds and is acquired through experience.
Question 3:
What are the characteristics of explicit knowledge?
Answer:
Explicit knowledge is systematic, codified, and easily communicated. It is often written down or stored in databases and can be easily accessed and shared. Explicit knowledge is typically objective and factual, and it can be easily transferred from one person to another.
Folks, that wraps up our dive into the world of explicit knowledge! I hope you enjoyed this little info-quest. If you’re curious about other fascinating topics, be sure to swing back by. We’ve got a treasure trove of articles just waiting to feed your hungry brains. Thanks for reading, and see you next time!