Showing papers on "Tacit knowledge published in 2012"
TL;DR: This study investigates the quantitative relationship between knowledge sharing, innovation and performance and develops a research model positing that knowledge sharing not only have positive relationship with performance directly but also influence innovation which in turn contributes to firm performance.
Abstract: Highlights?Exploring the effect Knowledge sharing (KS) have on innovation and firm performance. ?Confirming the mediating role of innovation between KS and performance. ?finding that explicit KS impacts innovation speed more than financial performance. ?finding that tacit KS impacts innovation quality more than operational performance. This study investigates the quantitative relationship between knowledge sharing, innovation and performance. Based on the literature review, we develop a research model positing that knowledge sharing not only have positive relationship with performance directly but also influence innovation which in turn contributes to firm performance. This model is empirically tested using data collected from 89 high technology firms in Jiangsu Province of China. It is found that both explicit and tacit knowledge sharing practices facilitate innovation and performance. Explicit knowledge sharing has more significant effects on innovation speed and financial performance while tacit knowledge sharing has more significant effects on innovation quality and operational performance.
812 citations
TL;DR: Few high-quality studies were found to evaluate the role of blended learning in clinical education, and those that were found provide only rudimentary evidence that integrating technology-enhanced teaching with traditional approaches have potential to improve clinical competencies among health students.
Abstract: Background: Developing practice knowledge in healthcare is a complex process that is difficult to teach. Clinical education exposes students to authentic learning situations, but students also need epistemological access to tacit knowledge and clinical reasoning skills in order to interpret clinical problems. Blended learning offers opportunities for the complexity of learning by integrating face-to-face and online interaction. However, little is known about its use in clinical education. Aim: To determine the impact of blended learning in the clinical education of healthcare students. Methods: Articles published between 2000 and 2010 were retrieved from online and print sources, and included multiple search methodologies. Search terms were derived following a preliminary review of relevant literature. Results: A total of 71 articles were retrieved and 57 were removed after two rounds of analysis. Further methodological appraisals excluded another seven, leaving seven for the review. All studies reviewed evaluated the use of a blended learning intervention in a clinical context, although each intervention was different. Three studies included a control group, and two were qualitative in nature. Blended learning was shown to help bridge the gap between theory and practice and to improve a range of selected clinical competencies among students. Conclusion: Few high-quality studies were found to evaluate the role of blended learning in clinical education, and those that were found provide only rudimentary evidence that integrating technology-enhanced teaching with traditional approaches have potential to improve clinical competencies among health students. Further well-designed research into the use of blended learning in clinical education is therefore needed before we rush to adopt it.
271 citations
TL;DR: The existing literature on how tacit knowledge is perceived and used in certain knowledge management areas is reviewed, which uncovers a number of gaps regarding the role of tacit knowledge.
Abstract: – Tacit knowledge is often difficult to define, given its inexpressible characteristics. Literature review highlights the impact of tacit knowledge on certain knowledge management topics and these include organizational learning, intellectual capital, knowledge management strategy and so forth, but some research gaps remain. The paper aims to propose directions for future research in this domain of discourse., – A review of existing studies highlights some gaps in the literature on the role of tacit knowledge, which is followed by questions for future research., – Given the richness of tacit knowledge discourse, the authors believe that the proposed questions offer avenues for scholars to explore and develop greater understanding of the role of tacit know‐how in certain knowledge management topics., – The authors acknowledge that there are certain limitations to this paper, namely, focusing on the review of tacit knowledge and not on other forms of knowledge. The review presents the role of tacit knowledge and its use in the context of knowledge management related topics. Finally this study proposes only future research directions that are far from being exhaustive, rather than presenting field study results., – This paper reviews the existing literature on how tacit knowledge is perceived and used in certain knowledge management areas. Reviewing the current literature uncovers a number of gaps regarding the role of tacit knowledge.
173 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a study of six Australian dairy farms installing new precision dairy farming technology was undertaken to develop an in-depth picture of the issues occurring at the interface where precision farming data and decision-making meet.
161 citations
TL;DR: A theoretical model developed to explore the mediating effect of organizational culture and knowledge sharing on transformational leadership and ERP success suggests that development culture has direct impact on ERPSuccess, while hierarchical culture, group and rational culture are indirectly related with ERPsuccess, mediated by explicit and tacit knowledge sharing.
161 citations
TL;DR: Analysis revealed different ways in which tacit knowledge was used to plan the public health program or initiative, including discovering the opportunity, bringing a team together, and working out program details (such as partnering, funding).
Abstract: Background: Planning a public health initiative is both a science and an art. Public health practitioners work in a complex, often time-constrained environment, where formal research literature can be unavailable or uncertain. Consequently, public health practitioners often draw upon other forms of knowledge. Methods: Through use of one-on-one interviews and focus groups, we aimed to gain a better understanding of how tacit knowledge is used to inform program initiatives in public health. This study was designed as a narrative inquiry, which is based on the assumption that we make sense of the world by telling stories. Four public health units were purposively selected for maximum variation, based on geography and academic affiliation. Results: Analysis revealed different ways in which tacit knowledge was used to plan the public health program or initiative, including discovering the opportunity, bringing a team together, and working out program details (such as partnering, funding). Conclusions: The findings of this study demonstrate that tacit knowledge is drawn upon, and embedded within, various stages of the process of program planning in public health. The results will be useful in guiding the development of future knowledge translation strategies for public health organizations and decision makers.
155 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated and mapped social media concepts and characteristics with tacit knowledge creation and sharing requirements, and found that social media has abilities to comply some of the main requirements of tacit knowledge sharing.
Abstract: With the advent of social web initiatives, some argued that these new emerging tools might be useful in tacit knowledge sharing through providing interactive and collaborative technologies. However, there is still a poverty of literature to understand how and what might be the contributions of social media in facilitating tacit knowledge sharing. Therefore, this paper is intended to theoretically investigate and map social media concepts and characteristics with tacit knowledge creation and sharing requirements. By conducting a systematic literature review, five major requirements found that need to be present in an environment that involves tacit knowledge sharing. These requirements have been analyzed against social media concepts and characteristics to see how they map together. The results showed that social media have abilities to comply some of the main requirements of tacit knowledge sharing. The relationships have been illustrated in a conceptual framework, suggesting further empirical studies to acknowledge findings of this study.
155 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine the extent to which resource endowments have influenced the evolution of technological and institutional innovations in Nepal's agricultural research and development, and reveal that Nepal has developed a novel multilevel institutional partnership, including collaboration with farmers and other non-governmental organizations in recent years.
147 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyze the role of the individual and regional knowledge context in forming university students' entrepreneurial intentions and find that role models facilitating the transfer of tacit knowledge and the expectation that strong ties will provide know-how and know-who positively impact entrepreneurial intentions.
Abstract: The current paper analyzes the role of the individual and regional knowledge context in forming university students’ entrepreneurial intentions. As access to knowledge resources is crucial for the growth and survival of knowledge-based start-ups, we argue that an individual’s decision in favor or against becoming an entrepreneur should critically depend on the multilevel context providing her with access to strategically relevant knowledge. A unique dataset for German students and regions allows us to analyze a variety of personal and regional determinants of entrepreneurial intentions among students. At the individual level we find that role models facilitating the transfer of tacit knowledge and the expectation that strong ties will provide know-how and know-who positively impact entrepreneurial intentions. At the regional level we find that a high regional start-up rate in knowledge-based industries and a high growth rate of regional knowledge production positively influence entrepreneurial intentions.
130 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the organizational and behavioral factors that influence knowledge retention specifically in the tacit knowledge sphere were identified and explored, and a multidisciplinary approach focusing on knowledge management and organizational behavior was followed to develop a theoretical model that identifies the organizational factors to be considered when addressing the issues relating to knowledge loss.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this article is to identify and explore the organizational and behavioral factors that influence knowledge retention, specifically in the tacit knowledge sphere.Design/methodology/approach – A multidisciplinary approach focusing on knowledge management and organizational behavior was followed to develop a theoretical model that identifies the organizational and behavioral factors to be considered when addressing the issues relating to knowledge loss. A quantitative empirical research paradigm using the survey method was adopted to determine the organizational and behavioral factors that impact on knowledge retention. The survey was conducted electronically and on paper in the water supply industry. The exploratory principal component factor analysis technique (PCFA technique) was used to explore the factor structure underlying the variables. The theoretical model was compared with the newly proposed factor model to determine similarities and differences.Findings – Nine key factors...
126 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined how organizational, individual, and environmental factors influence tacit knowledge sharing among IT professionals, and employed a partial least squares (PLS) analysis to assess the structural and co...
Abstract: Purpose – The transmission of tacit knowledge is crucial to organizations to ensure that individual expertise will be passed throughout a team or department, rather than centred in one employee. It is especially important among information technology (IT) professionals because, in addition to technical knowledge, they deal considerably with a combination of cognition and previous experience to solve daily problems, and implement and develop new systems. The purpose of this paper is to examine how organizational, individual, and environmental factors influence tacit knowledge sharing among IT professionals.Design/methodology/approach – In this study, the author examines how organizational, individual, and environmental factors influence tacit knowledge sharing among IT professionals. To test the hypotheses, the survey method was chosen and a standard questionnaire was applied. The author obtained a sample of 143 respondents and employed a partial least squares (PLS) analysis to assess the structural and co...
TL;DR: This research shows how a context conducive to knowledge transfer was developed, and concludes that this context allowed both explicit and tacit knowledge to be transferred.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide the systematic analysis of an innovative, intergenerational knowledge transfer strategy in a knowledge‐intensive organization.Design/methodology/approach – The case study method was adopted to study the intergenerational knowledge transfer activities. A triangulated approach was employed in respect of the data collection, which included non‐participatory observation, focus groups, documentary analysis, and semi‐structured interviews. A pattern analysis of data account was undertaken.Findings – Two models for intergenerational knowledge transfer are presented: the source‐recipient model and the model of mutual exchange. This research also shows how a context conducive to knowledge transfer was developed, and concludes that this context allowed both explicit and tacit knowledge to be transferred.Research limitations/implications – Often ignored or underestimated this study highlights the need for motivation, inspiration, and empowerment in knowledge transfer...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors conducted a face-to-face survey of 765 heads of research teams in a regional system to compare the multiple forms of university-industry collaborative linkages.
Abstract: This article focuses on the wide variety of channels through which the process of knowledge transfer occurs. The overall objective is to show the complexity of relationships between researchers and firms in a university system, and to identify some specific factors that influence such interactions. Our case study involves a face-to-face survey of 765 heads of research teams in a regional system to contrast the multiple forms of university–industry collaborative linkages. Drawing on the exploitation of a data set developed for the purpose, we show that for a majority of universities the thrust of their collaborative experiences is devoted to tacit knowledge rather than to intellectual property rights. Researchers actively engage in the provision of different services to firms such as consulting work, commissioned or joint research projects, and human resources training. Research teams also participate in non-academic knowledge dissemination and informal networking. The results of our study enable us to draw some policy implications for university administrators and policymakers. A focus on patents and spin-offs as indicators of collaborative research ignores the limits of many of the economic and productive contexts in which universities are embedded. It may also be detrimental to the strengthening of emerging trends that are oriented towards softer collaborative experiences and other forms of knowledge transfer.
Book•
06 Aug 2012
TL;DR: The Lower Platte River Corridor Alliance (LPTRA) as discussed by the authors ) is a coalition of public agencies in the state of South Dakota that supports collaborative public management and intergovernmentalization.
Abstract: Preface 1. To Manage Is to Collaborate 2. Intergovernmentalization and Collaborative Public Management 3. Conductive Public Agencies 4. Forging External Agreements 5. Managing Agency Connections 6. Processing Deep Collaboration: Managing in Networks 7. Identifying and Overcoming the Barriers to Collaboration 8. The New Public Organization 9. Conclusion: Collaboration Works! Appendixes A. The Lower Platte River Corridor Alliance B. Lower Platte River Regulatory Study Guide C. Ten Challenges in Contract Management D. Explicit Knowledge Management Activities E. Tacit Knowledge Management Activities F. Twenty-Two Public Values Contributed by Networks G. Alternative Dispute Resolution Processes H. Milestones in Metro School's Development References Index
TL;DR: A two‐part study tests the efficacy of a methodology for tacit knowledge retrieval, validation and sharing known as generative knowledge interviewing with a group of senior leaders in a non‐profit organization, and assesses the impact of that process on leaders, managers and knowledge creation efforts across the organization two years later.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present results from a two‐part study that tests the efficacy of a methodology for tacit knowledge retrieval, validation and sharing known as generative knowledge interviewing with a group of senior leaders in a non‐profit organization, and then assesses the impact of that process on leaders, managers and knowledge creation efforts across the organization two years later.Design/methodology/approach – Researchers triangulated several different types of qualitative data collection and methods of analysis during a 30‐month period.Findings – Earlier results showed the retiring leader's tacit “core capacities” were successfully retrieved, validated and shared with the new leaders in just four interviews. Two years later, these core capacities and aspects of the generative knowledge interviewing methodology were being used across the organization to improve knowledge sharing as well as recruitment, mentoring, coaching and training processes. The changes that emerged foc...
TL;DR: This exploratory paper overviews different forms of human and social computation and analyzes how they can be exploited to enhance the effectiveness of ICT-based Water Resources Management.
Abstract: The advent of online services, social networks, crowdsourcing, and serious Web games has promoted the emergence of a novel computation paradigm, where complex tasks are solved by exploiting the capacity of human beings and computer platforms in an integrated way. Water Resources Management systems can take advantage of human and social computation in several ways: collecting and validating data, complementing the analytic knowledge embodied in models with tacit knowledge from individuals and communities, using human sensors to monitor the variation of conditions at a fine grain and in real time, activating human networks to perform search tasks or actuate management actions. This exploratory paper overviews different forms of human and social computation and analyzes how they can be exploited to enhance the effectiveness of ICT-based Water Resources Management.
TL;DR: Despite the diverse nature of the stories they were able to be coded and categorised into 21 knowledge management constructs which were further refined by expert review down to 14 final constructs.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper seeks to report on research investigating storytelling as a means of eliciting tacit knowledge from retiring subject matter experts (SMEs) within a large South African organisation.Design/methodology/approach – In total, 64 stories were collected over a 12‐month period covering a varied range of technical disciplines and were analysed using grounded theory principles combined with expert reviews.Findings – Despite the diverse nature of the stories they were able to be coded and categorised into 21 knowledge management constructs which were further refined by expert review down to 14 final constructs.Research limitations/implications – The main limitation of this study is the generalisability of the findings, which may be limited by the fact the study was conducted in one large South African organisation.Practical implications – A common language is a key prerequisite for sharing knowledge. Every discipline within an organisation has its own language by which it communicates with insid...
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TL;DR: According to as discussed by the authors, there are two types of knowledge: tacit knowledge which cannot be expressed easily and explicit knowledge which can be easily codified, and both types are important, but Western organizations have focused largely on managing explicit knowledge.
Abstract: Manufacturing is increasingly about knowledge creation, learning, flexibility and continuous improvement. Consequently, knowledge in manufacturing is not only a matter of systems and management. According to Bloom’s taxonomy, the cognitive domain relates to mental skills (knowledge), the affective domain relates to growth in feelings or emotional areas (attitudes), while the psychomotor domain is concerned with manual or physical skills (skills). Knowledge management relates to business processes where the creation, transfer, and adaptation of knowledge are basic elements. A knowledge dimension that is similar to the ‘general world’ versus ‘arbitrary specialized world’, and that has been emphasized in the literature is the concept of ‘tacit knowledge’ versus ‘explicit knowledge’. This dimension suggests that there are two types of knowledge: tacit, which is embedded in the human brain and cannot be expressed easily and explicit knowledge, which can be easily codified. Both types of knowledge are important, but Western organizations have focused largely on managing explicit knowledge.
01 Jan 2012
TL;DR: The role of IT in applying knowledge varies from providing access to sources of knowledge, and gathering, storing, and transferring knowledge, to supporting the development of individual and organizational competencies.
Abstract: The hierarchical construct, from data to information to knowledge, is well known in the IT field. While data is seen as text in a database, knowledge is considered a renewable and reusable asset, which is valuable to a firm, and is enhanced with an employee’s experience. In addition, the role of IT in applying knowledge varies from providing access to sources of knowledge, and gathering, storing, and transferring knowledge, to supporting the development of individual and organizational competencies. Explicit knowledge tends to be considered anything that can be documented, archived, or codified; It can be contained within artefacts like paper or technology. Tacit knowledge is more difficult to qualify, and is retained by people in their minds. Hence, it is the product of their experiences and
TL;DR: A theoretical model of organizational factors that can cause (or conversely mitigate) stickiness in the flow of new know-how between MNC units is presented and research directions within the context of agile information systems development, distributed software projects, and management of information systems functions in MNCs are proposed.
Abstract: The effective sharing of organizational knowledge is particularly relevant for multinational corporations, where firm-specific tacit knowledge (know-how) is considered a source of competitive advantage for subsidiaries participating in a global strategy. To that end, multinational corporations (MNCs) are asking their IT departments to support both the exploitation of existing knowledge and the unit-to-unit transfer of new know-how derived in units from exploration. Nonetheless, new know-how derived from exploratory research, development and experience in one unit can be difficult to transfer to units that can exploit that know-how to commercial ends. The factors that impede the transfer of new know-how have been conceptualized as ''factors of stickiness''. In this paper, we present a theoretical model of organizational factors that can cause (or conversely mitigate) stickiness in the flow of new know-how between MNC units. To test the six hypotheses of the model, we used meta-analytic structural equation modeling (MASEM) of 31 empirical studies, representing 10,432 cases of new know-how transfer between units. The result of MASEM shows that the factors of receiving units' potential absorptive capacity and transmission channel in form of social capital that is enacted through its three dimensions (i.e., embedded social ties between units, institutional shared vision of units, and interorganizational trust of units) affect recipient subsidiaries' capability to exploit new know-how in practice (i.e., realized absorptive capacity), thus effectuating its transfer. Based on our findings, we propose research directions within the context of agile information systems development, distributed software projects, and management of information systems functions in MNCs.
TL;DR: In this paper, the extent and determinants of knowledge exchange between KIBS and their clients were explored based on a survey of 1124 knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS) firms.
Abstract: Based on a survey of 1124 knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS) firms, this paper explores the extent and determinants of knowledge exchange between KIBS and their clients. An ordered logistic regression was estimated. The results show that the propensity of KIBS firms to rely more on a commoditization strategy and less on a personalization strategy increases with the variety of research sources of information, the number of knowledge employees, the variety of knowledge management practices, the firm's size, the business age, and being a KIBS firm operating in a technology-based industry rather than a traditional professional industry, while it decreases with R&D investments, the variety of advanced technologies, and the strength of ties.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors go back to a time before neoliberalism, when economists and philosophers were engaged in debates about the rationality of economic planning within market economies, and in which the concept of "tacit knowledge" was pivotal.
Abstract: For anthropologists, the term neoliberal often becomes a shorthand for indicating all that is wrong with the present. But such usage of the term can foreclose our ability to imagine different futures. In this article, I go back to a time before neoliberalism, when economists and philosophers were engaged in debates about the rationality of economic planning within market economies, and in which the concept of “tacit knowledge” was pivotal. These 1920s and 1930s thinkers, especially Hayek and von Mises, were convinced that collectivism and planning would not work, and their work is cited still today as having established the basis for laissez-faire (neoliberal) capitalism. I critically juxtapose their findings with a historical analysis of the public sector in Egypt, with a short excursis into management theory (and research on tacit knowledge), and with my own ethnography. Looking at the case of a successful public sector banker I worked with in Cairo, I show how he relied on tacit knowledge as a collective inheritance that was embodied in collective subjects and “secrets of the trade.” My findings thus call into question Hayek's argument about the irrationality of collectivism and economic planning. They also point to the importance of tacit knowledge practices as collective and public goods in our economic imaginary of the future.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Wilson and Doz as discussed by the authors present a set of guidelines for setting up and managing global innovation, exploring the challenges that make global projects inherently different and show how these can be overcome by applying superior project management skills across teams, fostering a strong collaborative culture, and using a robust array of communications tools.
Abstract: More and more companies recognize that their dispersed, global operations are a treasure trove of ideas and capabilities for innovation. But it's proving harder than expected to unearth those ideas or exploit those capabilities. Part of the problem is that companies manage global innovation the same way they manage traditional, single-location projects. Single-location projects draw on a large reservoir of tacit knowledge, shared context, and trust that global projects lack. The management challenge, therefore, is to replicate the positive aspects of colocation while harnessing the opportunities of dispersion. In this article, Insead's Wilson and Doz draw on research into global strategy and innovation to present a set of guidelines for setting up and managing global innovation. They explore in detail the challenges that make global projects inherently different and show how these can be overcome by applying superior project management skills across teams, fostering a strong collaborative culture, and using a robust array of communications tools.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors developed and tested a theoretical model to examine how exchange climate attributes and contextual factors between two parent firms in an international joint venture (IJV) affect tacit knowledge transfer.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a theoretical model to examine how exchange climate attributes and contextual factors between two parent firms in an international joint venture (IJV) affect tacit knowledge transfer. The authors investigate how this tacit knowledge, which comprises international marketing expertise, knowledge about foreign cultures and tastes and managerial practices, impacts IJV performance.Design/methodology/approach – Based on data from a survey of IJV managers in 326 Korean firms from a variety of industries, structural equation modeling (AMOS 18.0) is used to test the authors’ hypotheses.Findings – The findings show that conflict resolution and cooperation positively affect tacit knowledge transfer, but communication does not. It was found that the difference in the relative levels of economic development in the environments of partners significantly influences tacit knowledge acquisition, but cultural distance does not. Tacit knowledge acquisition positivel...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identify barriers that hinder tacit knowledge transfer in a franchise environment and offer a compendium of solutions that encourage franchisees and franchisors to leverage tacit knowledge as a resource for competitive advantage.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify barriers that hinder tacit knowledge transfer in a franchise environment and offer a compendium of solutions that encourage franchisees and franchisors to leverage tacit knowledge as a resource for competitive advantage.Design/methodology/approach – Drawing from the research on franchise organizations there are five barriers to tacit knowledge transfer that present a challenge to both vertical and horizontal information flow in a franchise environment. It is suggested that when specific behaviors and processes are adopted to encourage sharing tacit knowledge it is possible to reduce tension and promote collaboration in the franchise relationship.Findings – Barriers to tacit knowledge transfer in franchise organizations include: Trust, Maturation, Communication, Competition, and Culture. Ideas for fostering knowledge sharing are offered.Research limitations/implications – The factors identified only partially explain why there may be resistance to sharing ...
01 Jun 2012
TL;DR: A framework based on the notion of ‘tacit knowledge’, or on similar conceptions devoted to categorizations of kinds of knowledge, impairs the for CSCW essential focus on actual work practices: instead of focusing on forms of symbolism, what is required is to focus on uncovering the logics of actual didactic practices in cooperative work.
Abstract: The development and maintenance of organized cooperative work practices require, as an integral feature, what can loosely be termed `didactic practices' or `mutual learning' (giving and receiving instruction, advice, direction, guidance, recommendation, etc.). However, such didactic practices have not been investigated systematically in CSCW. Michael Polanyi's notion of `tacit knowledge' vs. `explicit knowledge', which plays a key role in the area of Knowledge Management, would seem to offer an obvious framework for investigating didactic practices in CSCW. But as argued in this article, the notion of `tacit knowledge' is a conceptual muddle that mystifies the very concept of practical knowledge. The article examines the historical context in which the notion of `tacit knowledge' was devised, the purpose for which it was formulated, its original articulation, and the perplexing ways in which it has been appropriated in Knowledge Management. In an attempt to gain firm ground for our research, the article towards the end offers a general analysis of the concept of `knowledge', informed by the work of Gilbert Ryle and Alan White. Overall, the article argues that a framework based on the notion of `tacit knowledge', or on similar conceptions devoted to categorizations of kinds of knowledge, impairs the for CSCW essential focus on actual work practices: instead of focusing on forms of symbolism, what is required is to focus on uncovering the logics of actual didactic practices in cooperative work.
TL;DR: This analysis provides a preliminary definition of research-minded practitioners by explicating the elements of curiosity, critical reflection, and critical thinking in the context of human service organizations.
Abstract: One of the biggest challenges facing human service organizations is the proliferation of information from inside and outside the agency that needs to be managed if it is to be of use. The concepts of tacit and explicit knowledge can inform an approach to this challenge. Tacit knowledge is stored in the minds of practitioners (often called practice wisdom) and the explicit knowledge is often found in organizational procedure manuals and educational and training materials. Building on this perspective, this analysis provides a preliminary definition of research-minded practitioners by explicating the elements of curiosity, critical reflection, and critical thinking. The organizational implications of developing a cadre of research-minded practitioners include the commitment of top management to support "link officers", evidence request services, research and development units, and service standards. The challenges include the capacity to identify/support research-minded practitioners, promote an organizational culture of evidence-informed practice, redefine staff development and training, redefine job descriptions, and specify the nature of managerial leadership.
TL;DR: A multidimensional understanding of the knowledge-in-practice construct is created and the concept of learnability is introduced and it is explained how the proposed framework can lead to future research and discuss managerial implications for achieving fit between knowledge- in-practice and organization policies.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the factors that influence knowledge transfer from the supplier to the customer firm in new product development, and the impact of knowledge transfer on product development performance.
Abstract: This study examines the factors (trust, communication, supplier relationship specific adaptations, supplier flexibility, and relationship history) that influence knowledge transfer from the supplier to the customer firm in new product development, and the impact of knowledge transfer on product development performance. It also suggests that knowledge tacitness moderates these relationships. Based on a sample of 186 US firms, this study finds that trust, communication, supplier relationship specific adaptations, and supplier flexibility influence knowledge transfer. Knowledge transfer, in turn, has an effect on new product development performance. Mixed findings have also been reported in this paper with respect to the moderating effects of knowledge tacitness. Trust, supplier flexibility, and relationship history are more important for tacit knowledge transfer than for explicit knowledge. Knowledge tacitness does not moderate the relationship between knowledge transfer and NPD performance. However, the results show that both tacit and explicit knowledge transfer significantly affects NPD performance.
TL;DR: Qualitative findings that describe public health practitioners’ practice-based definitions of evidence-informed decision making (EIDM) and communities of practice (CoP) and how CoP could be a mechanism to enhance their capacity to practice EIDM are reported on.
Abstract: In this article we report on qualitative findings that describe public health practitioners' practice-based definitions of evidence-informed decision making (EIDM) and communities of practice (CoP), and how CoP could be a mechanism to enhance their capacity to practice EIDM. Our findings emerged from a qualitative descriptive analysis of group discussions and participant concept maps from two consensus-building workshops that were conducted with public health practitioners (N = 90) in two provinces in eastern Canada. Participants recognized the importance of EIDM and the significance of integrating explicit and tacit evidence in the EIDM process, which was enhanced by CoP. Tacit knowledge, particularly from peers and personal experience, was the preferred source of knowledge, with informal peer interactions being the favored form of CoP to support EIDM. CoP helped practitioners build relationships and community capacity, share and create knowledge, and build professional confidence and critical inquiry. Participants described individual and organizational attributes that were needed to enable CoP and EIDM.