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Showing papers on "Tacit knowledge published in 1994"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors propose a paradigm for managing the dynamic aspects of organizational knowledge creating processes, arguing that organizational knowledge is created through a continuous dialogue between tacit and explicit knowledge.
Abstract: This paper proposes a paradigm for managing the dynamic aspects of organizational knowledge creating processes. Its central theme is that organizational knowledge is created through a continuous dialogue between tacit and explicit knowledge. The nature of this dialogue is examined and four patterns of interaction involving tacit and explicit knowledge are identified. It is argued that while new knowledge is developed by individuals, organizations play a critical role in articulating and amplifying that knowledge. A theoretical framework is developed which provides an analytical perspective on the constituent dimensions of knowledge creation. This framework is then applied in two operational models for facilitating the dynamic creation of appropriate organizational knowledge.

17,196 citations


ReportDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors demonstrate empirically that the commercialization of this technology is essentially intertwined with the development of the underlying science in a way which illustrates the significance in practice of the localized spillovers concept in the agglomeration literature and of the tacit knowledge concept in information literature.
Abstract: The number of American firms actively using biotechnology grew rapidly from nonexistent to over 700 in less than two decades, transforming the nature of the pharmaceutical industry and significantly impacting food processing, brewing, and agriculture, as well as other industries. Here we demonstrate empirically that the commercialization of this technology is essentially intertwined with the development of the underlying science in a way which illustrates the significance in practice of the localized spillovers concept in the agglomeration literature and of the tacit knowledge concept in the information literature. Indeed we present here strong evidence that the timing and location of initial usage by both new dedicated biotechnology firms ("entrants") and new biotech subunits of existing firms ( "incumbents ") are primarily explained by the presence at a particular time and place of scientists who are actively contributing to the basic science as represented by publications reporting genetic-sequence discoveries in academic journals. By quantifying separable effects of individual scientists, major universities, and federal research support we provide specific structure to the role of universities and their faculties in encouraging local economic development

1,334 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine firms' applied research and develop an evolutionary theory of business firm development and strategy, based on the concept of knowledge and cumulative learning, which they use in their study.
Abstract: Tacit knowledge and cumulative learning underlie an evolutionary theory of business firm development and strategy. As one test case of the theory, this study examines firms' applied research and de...

468 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors found that tacit knowledge about the acquisition process and about how to integrate and manage the assets of distressed firms may be keys to their successful acquisition, and that business relatedness and acquisition experience had no effect on performance in a control group of 46 acquisitions of firms that were not distressed.
Abstract: In 51 acquisitions of financially distressed firms, related business combinations in which the acquirers had prior acquisition experience performed best. However, business relatedness and acquisition experience had no effect on performance in a control group of 46 acquisitions of firms that were not distressed. The results imply that tacit knowledge about the acquisition process and about how to integrate and manage the assets of distressed firms may be keys to their successful acquisition.

301 citations


Posted Content
TL;DR: In this article, a model for the management of the dynamic aspects of organizational knowledge is offered, using hands-on research and practical experience of Japanese firms, which helps to explain how the knowledge of individuals, organizations, and societies can be enriched through the amplification of tacit and explicit knowledge of each.
Abstract: This essay examines elements of a theory of organizational knowledge creation. To this end, a model for the management of the dynamic aspects of organizational knowledge is offered, using hands-on research and practical experience of Japanese firms. Two dimensions are examined to assess the importance of knowledge management: tacit and explicit knowledge. Four modes of knowledge creation through the interaction of tacit and explicit knowledge are presented: 1) socialization; 2) externalization; 3) internalization; and 4) combination. The process of organizational knowledge creation is also described in a corporate organizational setting. The model helps to explain how the knowledge of individuals, organizations, and societies can be enriched through the amplification of tacit and explicit knowledge of each. The key to this process is a joint creation of knowledge by both individuals and organizations. Organizations play an important role in mobilizing the tacit knowledge that individuals possess, as well as providing forums for knowledge creation through socialization, combination, externalization, and internalization. The concept of organizational knowledge creation allows for the development of a perspective that reaches beyond straightforward notions of organizational learning. Practical proposals, such as hypertext and middle-up-down management, are offered as modes of implementing more effective knowledge creation. (CBS)

185 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the relationship between different types of organization-based knowledge and its application to utilizing various forms of advanced manufacturing technology is discussed, and a model describes the strategic application of different manufacturing technologies across varying levels of technological change and market fragmentation.
Abstract: This article focuses on the relationship between different types of organization-based knowledge and its application to utilizing various forms of advanced manufacturing technology. Explicit knowledge is transparent in the sense that any firm with a comparable skill and technology base can understand and apply it in a fast and similar manner. Tacit knowledge is based more on insight, practice, and cumulative learning that is deeply embedded within the organization's dynamic routines and operating systems. The effective learning and application of new types of manufacturing skills and techniques, such as computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) and flexible manufacturing systems (FMS), is based heavily on the firm's cultivation of tacit, embedded knowledge to build competitive advantage. A model describes the strategic application of different manufacturing technologies across varying levels of technological change and market fragmentation. In each of the four cells, the roles of workers, managers, and different subunits of the firm are discussed as they relate to understanding the nexus between types of knowledge and manufacturing activities.

56 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
01 Mar 1994-Ethos
TL;DR: In this paper, a semiotic perspective is used to understand how identities are used by individuals to form satisfying relationships, meet socio-emotional needs, and articulate plans and goals.
Abstract: The analysis of personal meanings and private intentions is central to most research and thinking about identity. More often than not, the individual is privileged as the creator or "agent" of meaning and the source of motivation. Understanding how identities are used by individuals to form satisfying relationships, meet socioemotional needs, and articulate plans and goals becomes the primary objective within this paradigm. However, in this article, by viewing identity from a semiotic perspective, I try to show that the categories and symbols that make up a person's identity serve dual functions: they mediate reflection on self and on the intentions, desires, and goals that orient the self in a particular behavioral environment; at the same time, identity expressions invoke tacit knowledge of life-chance differences linked to status domains. This knowledge, which is presupposed by the signs that make up identities rather than directly referenced by them, is integral to a culture's ethnopsychology and enables others to "make inferences about the interrelation of actor's goals, intentions and abilities" (White 1980:767).

34 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Using storytelling as a formal activity in education programs sanctions the sharing of stories as a meaningful experience that can be replicated in day-to-day practice.
Abstract: Storytelling is an intrinsic part of most cultures. For nurses, the telling of stories is a way of sharing nursing's history, tacit knowledge, critical thinking, and creativity. It provides the opportunity to learn from each other and to dialogue about the deeper issues surrounding professional practice. Using storytelling as a formal activity in education programs sanctions the sharing of stories as a meaningful experience that can be replicated in day-to-day practice. The value of connecting and sharing expertise through storytelling with colleagues becomes a powerful experience for nursing staff.

24 citations


01 Oct 1994
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a three category structure for the tacit knowledge in military leadership: intrapersonal, interpersonal, and organizational, derived from instances of leadership tacit knowledge inferred from a review of military trade journals, military 'lessons learned' publications, and military memoirs.
Abstract: : This report reviews the theory of tacit knowledge and its theoretical and empirical background. The authors propose a three category structure for the tacit knowledge in military leadership: intrapersonal, interpersonal, and organizational. That structure was derived from instances of leadership tacit knowledge inferred from a review of military trade journals, military 'lessons learned' publications, and military memoirs. The report presents instances for the three categories. The proposed structure and representing instances are discussed in terms of (1) tacit knowledge in civilian business management; (2) U.S. Army leadership doctrine; (3) applicability across organizational levels of the U.S. Army (battalion, company, and platoon); and (4) the likelihood of further elaboration and replication of the proposed structure with application of other data collection methods. (RWJ) ( SF-298)

22 citations


ReportDOI
01 Oct 1994
TL;DR: In this paper, a survey of U.S. Army officers representing three organizational levels (platoon, company, and battalion) and all three branch categories were interviewed to elicit stories and observations revealing tacit knowledge for military leadership: the practical, action-oriented, leadership knowledge they had learned from practical experiences.
Abstract: : Eighty-one U.S. Army officers representing three organizational levels (platoon, company, and battalion) and all three branch categories were interviewed to elicit stories and observations revealing tacit knowledge for military leadership: the practical, action-oriented, leadership knowledge they had learned from practical experiences. Analyses of interview materials produced items of tacit knowledge for military leadership that were then cluster analyzed to identify groupings of knowledge. Results of the interviews are described with respect to patterns across leadership levels in the quantity, structure, and content of tacit knowledge for military leadership; implications of the patterns for development through experiential learning; and the functions of tacit knowledge in making concrete or augmenting Army leadership doctrine.

18 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
01 Aug 1994
TL;DR: This paper proposes a set of hypotheses regarding the role of knowledge-based resources in the evolution of semiconductor technology and performs an event history analysis to test the hypotheses.
Abstract: This paper explains the diffusion of knowledge-based resources in the evolution of technology using the attributes of knowledge. I propose a set of hypotheses regarding the role of knowledge-based ...

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Feb 1994
TL;DR: In this paper, a Viable Systems Model (VSM) of the San Francisco Zoo was constructed through Reflection-in-Action, which is one way to embark on a double-loop learning cycle and thus, develop the tacit skills and inarticulate knowledge needed to employ a particular systems model.
Abstract: The purpose of this project is to explore a way for systems practitioners to learn the skills necessary to employ a particular systems model in practice. Reflection-in-Action is one way to embark on a double-loop learning cycle and, thus, develop the tacit skills and inarticulate knowledge needed to employ a particular systems model. Through Reflection-in-Action, a Viable Systems Model (VSM) of the San Francisco Zoo was constructed. This project involved three phases of research; for each, a VSM using the data available was constructed. During each phase, the questioning of current assumptions and operating norms led to changes in the direction of the research. This led to the construction of significantly different VSMs for each phase.


01 Jul 1994
TL;DR: In this article, the Likert response format was used to measure individual differences in an uncertain knowledge domain, which is consistent with the nature of the knowledge underlying these aptitude scales because the relevant knowledge domains can be used to either support or contradict a specific supposition.
Abstract: : Most aptitude scales adopt a Forced Choice response format in which answers are scored as either correct or incorrect Such a scoring procedure is consistent with the nature of the knowledge underlying these aptitude scales because the relevant knowledge domains can usually be used to either support or contradict a specific supposition Assessing performance with tacit knowledge scales that lack an academic knowledge base often requires the opinions of subject matter experts and responses cannot always be unambiguously scored Data indicate that an improvement in the reliability of a Tacit Knowledge Scale could be realized by substituting a Likert response format in place of a traditional Forced Choice format; this finding demonstrates the power of the Likert response format to measure individual differences in an uncertain knowledge domain This research was conducted in support of the development and validation of a Social Intelligence scale




01 Jan 1994
TL;DR: The meaning theory of learning (ML), procedural learning theory (PL), and implicit structure learning (ISL) are alternative frameworks for the explanation of the errors in algebra problem solving by novices as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The purposes of this study were to investigate theories that explain why common errors of the type (a ± b) c a c ± b c and °