What is the Difference Between Explicit Knowledge and Tacit Knowledge

The main difference between explicit knowledge and tacit knowledge is that explicit knowledge is the knowledge that is most easily accessible and recorded, whereas tacit knowledge is the knowledge we acquire from personal or first-hand experiences.

According to knowledge management experts, different types of knowledge have different characterizations. Despite their various characteristics, any kind of knowledge is valuable for our personal growth.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Explicit Knowledge  
     – Definition, Features
2. What is Tacit Knowledge
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities – Explicit Knowledge and Tacit Knowledge
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Explicit Knowledge and Tacit Knowledge
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Explicit Knowledge, Tacit Knowledge, Knowledge

What is Explicit Knowledge

Explicit knowledge refers to the most easily accessible and recorded knowledge, which is the most basic form of knowledge. When we process, organize, structure, and interpret data, explicit knowledge comes alive. Most importantly, compared to tactic knowledge, it is quite easy to pass on explicit knowledge from one person to another. It is also possible to articulate, record, and store explicit knowledge quite easily when it comes to the world of knowledge management.

If you are keen on identifying some sources of explicit knowledge available around you, take out your research reports, journal articles, and company worksheets. They all fall under the category of explicit knowledge.

What is Tacit Knowledge

We receive tacit knowledge as a result of the personal and first-hand experiences we come across. However, unlike explicit knowledge, tacit knowledge is quite limited to our personal contexts, and therefore it is very difficult to impart that knowledge to another mainly due to this personal element.

When it comes to different categories of knowledge and information available around us, we find it extremely difficult to record, impart, articulate, or communicate tactic knowledge in a tactile manner. For instance, imagine you are getting pot painting lessons from your grandfather. You may grasp your lessons, but when you try the painting process on your own, you will feel like it lacks something. This is because you have not grasped the mastery your grandfather has acquired practising pot painting for so many years.

Similarities Between Explicit Knowledge and Tacit Knowledge

• Explicit knowledge and tacit knowledge are two sources of knowledge that feed human brains
• Both play a significant role in every human life.
• They also play a major role in the operation of running different social, economic, cultural, and political organizations.

Difference Between Explicit Knowledge and Tacit Knowledge

Definition

Explicit knowledge refers to the most easily accessible and recorded knowledge, whereas tacit knowledge is a result of the personal and first-hand experiences we come across.

Articulation

The articulation of explicit knowledge is comparatively unchallenging, whereas it is extremely difficult to communicate tacit knowledge. 

Availability

The human brain acquires tacit knowledge basically through experiences. Tactic knowledge, therefore, contains personal institutions and insights, while explicit knowledge is codified in our surroundings in various forms: in documents, books, memos, reports, etc.

Documentation

It is easy to document explicit knowledge, whereas the documentation of tactic knowledge is quite challenging.

Nature

Explicit knowledge is structured, unlike the personal nature of tactic knowledge.

Conclusion

Simply put, the main difference between explicit knowledge and tactic knowledge is that explicit knowledge refers to the most easily accessible and recorded knowledge, whereas tacit knowledge is the knowledge we acquire from personal and first-hand experiences. It is believed that tacit knowledge is a quite relative concept because what is articulated effortlessly by one person can be extremely challenging to externalize for another. Therefore, the same knowledge can appear tactic for one person and explicit for another.

Reference:

1. “Tacit Knowledge.” An Overview | ScienceDirect Topics.
2. “What Is Explicit Knowledge.” IGI Global.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Power-knowledge-board-to-learn” (CC0) via Pixabay