thesis_Daniela Noethen_print final - Jacobs University

Knowledge, Knowledge Management, and Knowledge Transfer
Knowledge is a dynamic network of different pieces of information, experiences, values,
beliefs, observations, and judgments. Knowledge primarily resides within the individual, and
creates the capacity for action.
As knowledge is such a broad concept, different characteristics and types of knowledge have
been distinguished, and various taxonomies or classifications have been developed. As certain
characteristics of knowledge are linked to its transferability, I will now briefly describe some of
these proposed distinctions.
1.1.3. Different types of knowledge
One of the most widely-cited distinctions is the one between explicit and tacit knowledge, which
Nonaka (1994) explicated based on the work of Polanyi (1962, 1966). Explicit or codified
knowledge can be articulated and communicated in symbolic form (e.g., writing) and / or in
natural language, and is rather discrete or digital (Alavi & Leidner, 2001; Nonaka 1994). Tacit
knowledge, on the other hand, is rooted in action and experience, and involved in a specific
context. It comprises a cognitive element referring to an individual’s mental models (schemata,
mental maps, beliefs, paradigms, viewpoints) and a technical element (concrete knowhow, crafts,
skills) (Alavi & Leidner, 2001; Nonaka 1994). According to Nonaka (1994) and Nonaka and
Takeuchi (1995), explicit and tacit knowledge are complementary entities that can interact with
and be transformed into each other (knowledge conversion).
While an often-drawn conclusion holds that tacit knowledge is more valuable for
organizations, I keep with Alavi and Leidner (2001) in that both dimensions of knowledge are
important and, thus, have to be protected against knowledge loss. Of course, explicit knowledge
is much easier to transfer and protect against loss than tacit knowledge.
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