Knowledge resources

Explicit knowledge refers to information that is clearly stated and easily accessible, such as facts and figures that can be found in a book or online. It is knowledge that is easily communicable and can be articulated verbally or written down.

Hidden knowledge, on the other hand, refers to information that is not immediately obvious or easily accessible. It is knowledge that is often tacit, meaning it is difficult to express in words and is often embedded in people's experiences, skills, and actions. Examples of hidden knowledge include knowing how to ride a bike, or knowing how to cook a dish without a recipe. It is also known as tacit knowledge.

We can distinguish two categories of knowledge resources: explicit and hidden.

Explicit resources

An example of explicit (tangible, explicit) knowledge resources can be:

• company documentation,
• organizational and administrative procedures,
• information about the market and competition,
• business history (sales, production, finance),
• patents and results of research and development works,
• analyzes, reports and statements, etc.

 

Hidden resources

The hidden (intangible, tacit) knowledge resources include:

• skills, experience,
• individual human knowledge,
• knowledge employees on organizational processes,
• Employees' knowledge on the implementation of projects and cooperation of project groups,
• information about the company, competition, market, etc., not fixed in material form.

Examples of Knowledge resources

• Books: Books are one of the oldest and most common sources of explicit knowledge. Books contain facts, figures, and theories that can be accessed by readers. From scientific textbooks to historical biographies, books are a great source of knowledge.
• Websites: Websites are a great source of explicit knowledge. Many websites contain factual information, scientific theories, and other information that can be used to increase one's knowledge.
• Academic Journals: Academic journals are also a great source of explicit knowledge. They contain research and studies done by experts in many different fields, and can be used to gain a better understanding of a particular topic.
• Online Courses: Online courses are another great source of explicit knowledge. Many universities and colleges offer courses that teach students the theories, concepts, and facts they need to know in order to understand a particular topic.
• Lectures: Lectures are a great way to gain explicit knowledge. Lectures are often given by experts in a particular field, and can provide students with the information they need to understand a concept.

Advantages of Knowledge resources

Explicit knowledge resources have several advantages for businesses. These include:

• Increased efficiency: Explicit knowledge resources can provide businesses with access to a wealth of information that can be used to improve processes and operations. This helps to streamline workflows and reduce costs, resulting in increased efficiency and productivity.
• Improved decision-making: Access to explicit knowledge resources allows businesses to make informed decisions based on reliable data. This helps to ensure that decisions are made with the best available information, resulting in better outcomes.
• Easier collaboration: Explicit knowledge resources can be shared easily across teams and departments. This facilitates collaboration and helps to ensure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to decisions and strategies.
• Faster problem solving: Having access to explicit knowledge resources can help businesses quickly identify and solve problems. This helps to reduce downtime and increase customer satisfaction.
• Improved customer service: With access to explicit knowledge resources, businesses can provide customers with more accurate and timely information. This helps to improve customer service and build stronger relationships with customers.

Limitations of Knowledge resources

Explicit knowledge resources have many limitations. These include:

• Time and effort: Explicit knowledge resources often require significant amounts of time and effort to find and understand.
• Availability: Explicit knowledge resources may not be available to everyone, either due to cost or due to lack of access.
• Reliability: Explicit knowledge resources may not be reliable, as they may be outdated or contain incorrect information.
• Relevance: Explicit knowledge resources may not be relevant to the user's specific needs.
• Context: Explicit knowledge resources may not provide the necessary context to understand the information.
• Bias: Explicit knowledge resources may be biased, as the author may be presenting the information in a way that serves their interests.

Other approaches related to Knowledge resources

• Explicit knowledge refers to information that is clearly stated and easily accessible, such as facts and figures that can be found in a book or online.

Apart from explicit knowledge, there are several other approaches to knowledge resources that organizations can utilize. These include:

• Tacit knowledge, which is knowledge that exists in the minds of individuals and is difficult to articulate or express.
• Social knowledge, which is the collective knowledge of a group of individuals and their experiences.
• Structured knowledge, which is the organized and documented knowledge of an organization.
• Creative knowledge, which is the ability to think outside the box and come up with innovative and creative solutions to problems.

In summary, organizations can utilize a variety of approaches to knowledge resources in order to better utilize their resources and gain new insights. Explicit knowledge, as well as other approaches such as tacit, social, structured, and creative knowledge, can all be used to gain new insights and help organizations achieve their goals.

Knowledge resources — recommended articles

Knowledge — Organizational knowledge — Knowledge and information — Transfer of knowledge — Knowledge and experience — Knowledge management strategy — Information and knowledge — Explicit and implicit knowledge — Concept of knowledge

References

• Mouritsen, J., & Larsen, H. T. (2005). The 2nd wave of knowledge management: the management control of knowledge resources through intellectual capital information. Management accounting research, 16(3), 371-394.
• Fang, Y., Wade, M., Delios, A., & Beamish, P. W. (2007). International diversification, subsidiary performance, and the mobility of knowledge resources. Strategic Management Journal, 28(10), 1053-1064.