What is meant by tacit knowledge?

Tacit knowledge refers to the type of knowledge that is intuitive and experiential in nature, often acquired through personal experiences and context rather than through formal instruction or documentation. It includes insights, intuitions, and skills that individuals develop over time through practice and engagement with their environment and tasks.

This form of knowledge is difficult to articulate and transfer because it relies heavily on personal experience and is often embedded within the individual. For instance, a craftsman who has honed their skills through years of practice possesses tacit knowledge that cannot easily be conveyed in writing or through direct teaching. Recognizing the value of tacit knowledge is crucial in fields such as management, innovation, and supplier relationships, as it fosters creativity and problem-solving.

In contrast, the other options describe types of knowledge that are more easily documented or shared. Knowledge documented in manuals is explicit knowledge, which can be easily articulated and transferred. Knowledge learned through classroom training is also explicit and structured, focusing on theoretical understanding rather than experiential learning. Additionally, knowledge distributed through formal networks emphasizes structured communication channels, which are typically associated with explicit knowledge transmission rather than the personal insights inherent in tacit knowledge.