What is knowledge?
In the context of the workplace,
a company's success is often determined by the quality and accessibility of its
knowledge, as well as how effectively that knowledge is shared. Studies have
shown that knowledge sharing plays a key role in enhancing creativity, driving
innovation, and improving the overall performance of businesses around the
world.
The 7 types of knowledge
1. Explicit knowledge
Explicit knowledge refers to information that
is easy to document, organize, and share, often in written form. It encompasses
structured data and can be systematically communicated on a large scale. When
properly managed, explicit knowledge helps companies make
informed decisions, save time, and boost performance.
Traditionally, explicit
knowledge has been captured in knowledge bases or as part of knowledge
management strategies. This type of knowledge is formalized and can be used to
complete tasks, guide decision-making, or educate an audience.
Examples of explicit knowledge
include FAQs, instructions,
raw data and reports, diagrams, one-pagers, and strategy presentations. These
resources are typically stored in a knowledge base, making them accessible for
employees to reference and share.
2. Implicit knowledge
Implicit knowledge refers to the skills and know-how
that come from applying explicit knowledge in real-world situations. While
explicit knowledge might be a book on the mechanics of flight or a diagram of
an airplane cockpit, implicit knowledge is the practical
understanding gained when you actually fly the plane using that information.
This type of knowledge is
acquired through experience and learning the most effective way to perform a
task. Once gained, it can be combined with other knowledge to tackle new
challenges.
Unlike explicit knowledge, implicit
knowledge is harder to document and scale, which is why it is often
left out of formal knowledge bases. To incorporate it, consider this: “What did
I learn from my experience, would it be valuable to others, and how can I explain
it clearly?”
Examples of Implicit Knowledge
Although implicit
knowledge is harder to document, it includes abilities such as a
person's skill in prioritizing tasks or managing multiple projects
simultaneously to meet deadlines.
3. Tacit knowledge
Tacit knowledge refers to intangible information
that is often difficult to express clearly, such as things that are
"understood" without being explicitly stated. It is typically
personal, cultural, and gained through experience over time, applying to specific
situations. This type of knowledge is informal and can be challenging to
articulate.
When tacit knowledge can
be captured, it should be added to a knowledge base to make it easier to share
valuable expertise with others who may need it.
Examples of Tacit
Knowledge
Tacit knowledge is hard to transfer and often cannot
be stored in traditional formats. For instance, a salesperson’s ability to
sense the right moment to pitch during a meeting combines experience, reading
social cues, and other personal insights.
Since tacit knowledge is acquired
through experience, companies can help employees strengthen it by sharing
techniques and tips for handling specific scenarios. An example might be a list
of phrases that sales leads should listen for when dealing with customer
complaints. By being prepared with possible conversation outcomes, salespeople
can better understand how to "read" and address a situation.
4. Declarative knowledge
Declarative knowledge, also known as propositional
knowledge, refers to factual information and static details specific to a
particular subject, which can be easily accessed and recalled. It involves an
individual's conscious awareness of their understanding of the topic at hand.
This type of knowledge is often
stored in documents or databases and primarily addresses the 'who,' 'what,'
'where,' and 'when' aspects of information, while focusing less on the 'how' or
'why.' When documented, declarative knowledge forms the foundation for
understanding a subject and can assist organizations in improving the sharing
of procedural and explicit knowledge.
Examples of Declarative
Knowledge
An example of declarative
knowledge is an individual knowing the company's goals for the year. They may
also understand how their performance will be evaluated by reading the company
newsletter, which shares these goals and performance metrics with the team.
5. Procedural knowledge
Procedural knowledge centers on the "how" of how
things work, emphasizing the ability to perform tasks or carry out actions.
Unlike declarative knowledge, which addresses the "who, what, where, or
when," procedural knowledge is less verbalized and is typically
demonstrated through action or recorded in manuals.
Examples of Procedural Knowledge
An example of procedural
knowledge is a standard operating procedure (SOP) outlining the steps
for completing specific tasks or using certain equipment within an
organization.
6. A Posteriori knowledge
A posteriori knowledge is a subjective form of knowledge
gained through personal experience. Although it is not typically documented in
a company’s knowledge base, it plays a crucial role in the success of teams.
This type of knowledge allows individuals to recognize their strengths and
weaknesses, which arise from their past experiences, and helps organizations
build a more diverse skill set within their teams.
Examples of A Posteriori
Knowledge
Since a posteriori
knowledge comes from individual experiences, examples include an
individual's ability to lead teams based on previous management roles or their
skill in de-escalating tense situations, developed through past encounters.
7. A Priori knowledge
A priori knowledge is the opposite of a posteriori
knowledge, as it is acquired independently of experience or evidence.
This type of knowledge is often developed through logical reasoning or abstract
thinking. While a priori knowledge may not always be formally documented, it is
typically demonstrated in a team's ability to understand and reason through
situations as they arise.
Examples of A Priori Knowledge
Examples of a priori
knowledge include an individual's natural aptitude for mathematics or
logical reasoning, where they can easily understand and interpret information
without the need for additional explanation.