Explicit and implicit knowledge, the guide for companies

In the business world, knowledge is one of the greatest competitive advantages for businesses, because it constitutes the basis of innovation, effective working processes and sustainable success. However, a large part of the knowledge is often unused because it is not sufficiently documented. It remains invisible without targeted measures and is lost in the worst case.

The key to successful use is to identify this implicit knowledge, to record them in a structured manner and to gradually convert knowledge into explicit knowledge. But what exactly these terms mean and how can businesses manage to approach this important step?

Explicit knowledge is formal and structured knowledge that can be clearly documented and made accessible to others. It is easy to put in words, numbers or diagrams and record in various media, such as:

• Manuals, training documents and instructions

• Protocols, reports and control lists

• Databases with customer data or best practices

• Graphics, diagrams and presentations

Explicit knowledge can therefore be quickly and easily shared between employees and they constitute the “visible knowledge” that companies are consciously used in companies.

Example: A technical manual described step by step on the operation of a machine. Each new specialist can familiarize himself with the manual without direct support from others.

On the other hand, implicitly knowledge is intuitive knowledge based on experience which is created by practical use and a long -term routine. It is deeply in the head of employees and is often difficult to grasp or formulate.

Examples of implicit knowledge:

• Intuition of a sales employee to recognize customer needs

• The ability of a technician to “hear” machine problems before performing

• Interpersonal skills such as leadership or empathy

Example of practice: An experienced service employee immediately feels when a customer is not satisfied and actually acts properly to solve the problem. This knowledge is nowhere written, but is based on years of experience.

• Explicit knowledge: Documented, in writing, clearly structured.

• Implicit knowledge: Experienced, intuitive, unconscious.

• Explicit knowledge: Easy to share, e.g. B. by manuals or databases.

• Implicit knowledge: Difficult to transfer, strongly personal.

• Explicit knowledge: Easy to document and save.

• Implicit knowledge: Often can only be visible by targeted conversations, direct observations or systematic mentoring.

• Explicit knowledge: Accessible and understandable for all employees.

• Implicit knowledge: Often only accessible to individuals, depending on experience and routine.

Implicit knowledge is often the decisive competitive advantage of a company. It allows employees to make decisions quickly and find solutions. At the same time, it includes risks, because precious knowledge can be lost forever without targeted recording.

1. Higher efficiency: Knowledge of experience allows solutions of rapid and intuitive problems.

2. innovation: Ideas often arise from many years of implicit knowledge.

3. Client proximity: Employees with intuitive knowledge better understand customer needs.

An important step is to convert implicit knowledge to explicit knowledge, but there are different approaches:

• Knowledge interviews: Speak specifically with experienced employees, their way of working and document best practices and solutions.

• Job Shawing: Leave new employees, accompany experienced colleagues and observe their approach.

• Workshops and mentorship: Build targeted training programs in order to systematically transmit implicit knowledge. Structured approaches through mentoring programs are also available here which facilitate knowledge transfer between experienced employees and new employees.

• Technological support: With the help of Knowledge management software Experience values ​​can be recorded in a structured way and made accessible to everyone.

Artificial intelligence also offers enormous potential in this area: according to a Statita study Many companies use AI -based systems to optimize work processes and make knowledge more efficiently available.

Thanks to intelligent research functions, automated analyzes and personalized recommendations, companies can identify, document and have a precious experience faster and make their teams usable. For example, the use of FAQ software On the customer side, provide precious knowledge and at the same time optimize the use of resources in customer service.

• Knowledge databases: Experience, instructions and case studies can be recorded here.

• AI -based systems: Artificial intelligence can recognize models in processes and automatically generate recommendations.

• FAQ and forums: With solutions such as FAQ software, employees can ask questions and develop solutions together.

1. Document technical expertise: An experienced technician described in an internal wiki how he recognizes and solves machine problems. This knowledge can thus be used for the training of new employees.

2. Analyze sales successes: Sales employees document their experiences with customer interactions and create a control list for successful sales discussions.

The conversion of knowledge implicit to explicit knowledge is not always easy, because knowledge of knowledge and training require time which is often rare in daily work. Some employees also hesitate to share their knowledge for the sake of their position or their expert status. Many employees are not even aware of their implicit knowledge because they make routines and intuitive decisions for acquired.

In order to make the knowledge implicit visible and to remain usable throughout the business, a modern leadership culture is necessary. Managers must specifically promote an open culture of knowledge, encourage employees to share their experiences and transmit them to a team. Knowledge transfer and transparent communication form the base. Thanks to targeted strategies and the use of modern technologies such as knowledge management software, it can be even better achieved.