Knowledge is more than a collection of facts and figures; it’s a multi-dimensional concept that encompasses various forms and types. These include tacit knowledge, tribal knowledge, explicit knowledge, social knowledge, cultural knowledge, and procedural knowledge. In today’s article, we will explore each of these types and their unique characteristics.
Understanding Variants of Knowledge
Tacit Knowledge: The Unspoken Insights
Tacit knowledge refers to the kind of knowledge a person possesses but struggles to share with others. This type of knowledge is typically gained through personal experience and resides in the mind—often in the subconscious. It is demonstrated through individual practices, such as riding a bicycle, playing a musical instrument, or developing interpersonal skills. In contrast, tacit knowledge is the opposite of explicit knowledge, which can be easily written down and transferred to others.
Characteristics of tacit knowledge:
- Tacit knowledge is personal and contextual. It is closely bound with the experiences of the individual and the specific context in which it was acquired.
- Difficult to transfer. The underlying elements being hard to verbalize, direct interaction or mentorship may become essential for sharing the tacit knowledge.
- Intuitive. It is usually intuitive and instinctive instead of being explicitly acquired by way of classes or training.
Imagine a child learning to ride a bicycle. Riding a bike is an example of knowledge that cannot easily be explained in abstract terms. A parent might describe the actions needed—pedaling, steering, and balancing—but the only true way for the child to learn is through direct experience and practice.
What makes it contextual is that each bike ride presents different challenges, such as navigating bumps in the path or adjusting to the wind, further shaping the child’s ability to sustain momentum.
The difficulty of transferring tacit knowledge becomes clear when another child attempts to learn using the same instructions but struggles, even when following them closely. Tacit knowledge, like the sense of balance or the instinct to avoid obstacles, cannot be easily reduced to words.
As the child gains experience, they develop an intuitive feel for riding—knowing how much pressure to apply to the brakes or how to shift their body weight to maintain balance. This intuitive understanding is characteristic of tacit knowledge, which evolves through practice and cannot be fully captured in instruction manuals, blueprints, or formulas.
Tribal Knowledge: Unwritten Practices and Cultural Norms within Groups
Tribal knowledge within any given group or organization is often unofficially understood and practiced. This form of knowledge is typically passed down through generations and is unique to specific teams or communities. It includes unwritten norms, practices, and rules that are well-understood by its members but may not be formally documented.
Characteristics of tribal knowledge:
- Informal. Generally not documented or put into a codified form.
- Group-specific. The terminology and practices are unique to individual groups, teams, or organizations.
- Culturally bound. This generally represents the culture and values of the group.
An example of tribal knowledge could be a marketing team in an organization that has developed its own way of doing things and an informal understanding over the years. This form of knowledge may not be documented in training manuals or employee handbooks but is inherent to the team.
For instance, the team may have developed unofficial norms for brainstorming sessions, such as “wild ideas are welcome but not immediately critiqued to encourage creativity.” New members pick up on the process, but the subtleties, like when to combine ideas or when to move on from a discussion, are not explicitly documented.
Tribal knowledge is unique to the marketing group and differs from other functional groups like sales or finance. While the marketing team may value collaboration and a “go with the flow” mentality, the sales team may prioritize process rigidity and individual metrics.
The tribal knowledge of the marketing team reflects the broader culture and values of the organization. For example, if a company encourages innovation and risk-taking, the informal practices of the marketing team would likely foster experimentation with new ideas and creative risks.
Explicit Knowledge: Documented Information and Standardized Practices
Explicit knowledge is a type of knowledge that can be easily articulated, documented, and shared. It includes facts, theories, and information that can be codified in books, manuals, and databases. This form of knowledge is crucial for formal education and training.
Some characteristics of explicit knowledge:
- Very articulate. It can easily be written down and communicated.
- Well-documented. It is typically found in manuals, databases, and textbooks.
Imagine a manufacturing plant where a significant portion of its knowledge is in explicit form, documented in standard operating procedures (SOPs). These procedures are formalized, documented, and easily shared among employees, serving as the foundation for performing tasks consistently.
The plant has written guides for processes like machine operations, quality checks, and safety protocols. These documents are available to all employees, providing clear guidance for carrying out their duties. New recruits are trained using these SOPs so that, from day one, they understand their role requirements and the correct way to perform tasks.
This explicit knowledge is not limited to one team or department but applies across the entire manufacturing plant. This consistency helps maintain efficiency and safety, ensuring that all workers are on the same page.
Explicit knowledge at the manufacturing plant often reflects industry best practices and regulatory requirements. Because these processes are written down, they can easily be updated and distributed as necessary. This flexibility ensures that the plant remains in compliance with regulatory standards while continuing to operate at a high level of performance.
Social Knowledge: Interpersonal Dynamics and Group Interactions
Social knowledge refers to knowledge about the interaction between individuals, social relationships, and networks. It encompasses knowledge about the dynamics of different groups, the norms within specific groups, and how to navigate various social situations.
Characteristics of social knowledge:
- Interpersonal. It requires the ability to understand and manage relationships.
- Contextual. It is highly dependent on the social contexts and situational awareness.
- Dynamic. This can change as social norms and relationships evolve.
Consider a professional association of engineers, where social knowledge is built upon relationships and shared experiences. Insights and best practices are often passed on through networking events and informal get-togethers. These interactions, typically not documented, are crucial for building rapport and trust among members.
This social knowledge is specific to the engineering community. Members share common-sense knowledge about what’s happening within the industry, such as emerging threats and opportunities. Newer members often acquire much of this knowledge informally, through networking, rather than through formal training.
In this case, social knowledge also reflects the culture within the engineering discipline. In a collaborative environment, sharing of information is common, while in a competitive culture, interactions are more guarded, which can hinder collaboration.
Cultural Knowledge: Norms, Values, and Practices in Diverse Contexts
Cultural knowledge refers to the understanding of cultural norms, behaviors, values, practices, and beliefs. It plays a crucial role in interactions within diverse cultural environments. The more culturally knowledgeable an individual is, the more effectively they can communicate and collaborate in various contexts.
Characteristics of cultural knowledge:
- Contextual. Such knowledge is deeply situated in particular cultural backgrounds.
- Dynamic. Cultural knowledge evolves with societal changes and cultural shifts.
- Crucial to globalization. It facilitates effective understanding and cooperation in multicultural settings.
Consider a professional association of chefs that places a strong emphasis on the importance of cultural knowledge among its members for shaping their professional identity and culinary practices. Members share cultural knowledge through cooking festivals, culinary workshops, and informal kitchen exchanges. This helps them understand the traditions, values, and techniques that define their professional community, even though this knowledge is rarely formally documented.
Cultural knowledge within this culinary association takes on a distinctive form. Members are educated about regional cooking styles, food ethics, and the importance of presentation and plating—all of which are crucial to their culinary success. These practices are passed down through mentorships and shared experiences in kitchens rather than through written manuals.
This knowledge is a reflection of the broader culinary culture, which might be innovative and experimental, embracing the fusion of flavors and global influences. Alternatively, it could also be more rooted in traditional methods, focusing on preserving age-old recipes and techniques handed down through generations.
Procedural Knowledge: Mastering Methods and Techniques
Procedural knowledge, at times referred to as “know-how,” involves understanding the procedures and methods required to perform specific tasks. It represents the ability to know how a particular job or procedure is carried out. This knowledge is especially critical in fields where expertise and technical skills are essential.
Characteristics of procedural knowledge:
- Task-oriented. It focuses on the steps involved in completing a particular activity or task.
- Documentable. Often contained in manuals, guides, and instructional materials.
- Skill-based. Mastery of procedural knowledge requires practice and application of the learned methods.
Consider a team of software developers working within a tech company, where procedural knowledge is essential for the success of their projects. The developers acquire procedural knowledge through hands-on coding practices, collaboration with colleagues, and reviewing best practices in software development.
The procedural knowledge within the team is specific to the tech industry, particularly in areas such as coding languages, debugging techniques, version control, and project management methodologies like Agile. This knowledge helps developers efficiently design, build, and maintain software applications. Without this procedural knowledge, the team would struggle to deliver projects on time or meet the quality standards required in the competitive tech industry.
In this case, procedural knowledge is deeply embedded in the culture of the software development team. A culture of constant learning and embracing new technologies promotes the development of innovative coding techniques and problem-solving strategies. Conversely, a more traditional mindset may prioritize established coding practices, potentially hindering innovation and slowing the adoption of new technologies.
Comparative Table of Knowledge Types
| Type of Knowledge | Definition | Characteristics | Examples |
| Tacit Knowledge | Knowledge gained through personal experience | Personal, difficult to transfer, intuitive | Riding a bike, emotional intelligence |
| Tribal Knowledge | Informal understanding within a group | Informal, group-specific, culturally bound | Company rituals, team norms |
| Explicit Knowledge | Typically formal, easily shared and documented knowledge | Easily articulated, widely shareable | Textbooks, manuals |
| Social Knowledge | Understanding social interactions and networks | Interpersonal skills, contextual, dynamic | Networking, conflict resolution |
| Cultural Knowledge | Knowledge of cultural norms and practices | Contextual, dynamic, essential for globalization | Cultural etiquette, traditions |
| Procedural Knowledge | Understanding of processes and methods | Task-oriented, can be documented, skill-based | Using software, cooking recipes |
Conclusion
Understanding the various types of knowledge—tacit, tribal, explicit, social, cultural, and procedural—is critical to navigating a world that is becoming increasingly complex. Each type of knowledge plays a unique role in personal development, organizational success, and social cohesion.
In a world where knowledge equates to power, understanding its different forms offers more than just an advantage; it is, in fact, a prerequisite for growth, innovation, and improved communication across diverse contexts.
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