Difference Between Tacit and Explicit Knowledge with Proper Definition and Brief Explanation

Tacit vs explicit knowledge

Tacit and explicit are two different types of knowledge. Knowing the differences between these two different types of knowledge is a step in the direction of knowledge management. This is due to the fact that you deal with the knowledge obtained from a document in a different way than the knowledge that you obtain from practical experience. There are differences between tacit and explicit knowledge that will be described in this article.

Explicit knowledge

Explicit knowledge is knowledge that is obtained with the help of written documents that have been encoded. This type of knowledge can be easily stored and transmitted from one place to another and from one person to another. This knowledge is easy to retrieve from the media and encyclopedias present interesting examples of this type of knowledge. The challenge with explicit knowledge lies in storing and updating it so it is available to everyone when they need it.

Tacit knowledge

Tacit knowledge is the opposite of formal or codified knowledge. One cannot easily transfer it to another person by writing it or by means of words. The ability to use difficult computer language or the ability to expertly use complex machinery is knowledge that is neither written nor coded. It is through contact and interaction that tacit knowledge can be passed on to other people. If you know how to ride a bike or swim, you cannot tell someone else how to do these activities in words. Only through physical training can you make someone else learn to ride a bike or swim.

What is the difference between tacit knowledge and explicit knowledge?

• Tacit knowledge is taken into account, and it is difficult to be transferred to others through spoken words or in writing.

• Explicit knowledge is knowledge that is formal and encoded or written to be easily stored and transferred to other people.

• In explicit knowledge, there is a transfer mechanism whereas there is no such mechanism in tacit knowledge.

• The ability to swim or ride a bicycle is an example of tacit knowledge that cannot be taught or transferred through written words or speaking.

• Documents, magazines, procedures, etc. are examples of explicit knowledge.