A reference to types of knowledge which cannot be stated explicitly and therefore cannot be easily communicated and transferred. It therefore contrasts with "codified" or "explicit" knowledge. Personal skills are frequently cited as an important example of tacit knowledge. [Go to source
knowledge that has not yet been codified, but remains embodied in researchers and in companies' owner-managers and key employees (see also intangible assets)
Tacit knowledge, sometimes referred to as ‘soft' knowledge, is the automatic, unexpressed knowledge that individuals, groups and companies possess without necessarily realising it.. Examples of tacit knowledge include an individuals natural sporting ability or ability to speak their mother tongue language and, at a group level, a workforce's ability to adhere to unwritten rules or practices. In order to leverage tacit knowledge, it must become explicit so that it can be shared and leveraged. (see explicit knowledge).
The knowledge or know-how that people carry in their heads. Compared with explicit knowledge, tacit knowledge is more difficult to articulate or write down and so it tends to be shared between people through discussion, stories and personal interactions. It includes skills, experiences, insight, intuition and judgement. Note: Some authors draw a distinction between tacit and implicit knowledge, defining tacit knowledge as that which cannot be written down, and implicit knowledge as that which can be written down but has not been written down yet. In this context, explicit knowledge is defined as that which has already been written down.
Know-how and information possessed by an individual that has not been made available to others. Opposite of explicit knowledge.
Based on Polyani's work (as cited in Nonaka, 1994; Davenport and Prusak, 2000), tacit knowledge is personal, rooted in action, with commitment and involvement in a specific context. It consists of paradigms, viewpoints, beliefs, and concrete know-how, such as crafts and skills.
The concept of tacit knowing comes from scientist and philosopher Michael Polanyi. It is important to note that he wrote about a process (hence tacit knowing) and not a form of knowledge. However, his phrase has been taken up to name a form of knowledge that is apparently wholly or partly inexplicable.