Tacit Knowledge and Innovation: Insights from the Public Sector in Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study empirically investigated the relationship between tacit knowledge and innovation from the public sector context in Delta State, Nigeria. The use of tacit knowledge for innovation has been theoretically analysed in previous studies, but empirical studies in this field have only begun to emerge. Even so, very little research has been conducted in the public sector, even less in developing countries. Using the tacit-linked processes in the Nonaka and Takeuchi’s [Nonaka, I and K Takeuchi (1995). The Knowledge Creating Company. New York: Oxford University Press] knowledge conversion model, the study hypothesised that socialisation, externalisation and internalisation (SEI) relate with each other positively, and all have a significant positive effect on innovation. The study made use of the partial least square method for hypotheses testing with data collected from 169 mid-level health professionals from the Delta State Ministry of Health. Whilst the results show a positive relationship amongst the SEI processes, only socialisation and internalisation were found to have significant positive effects on innovation. However, despite externalisation non-significant effect on innovation, a significant indirect effect was achieved through internalisation. Together, these results provide important implications for public managers and public organisations to utilise the SEI processes in applying the tacit knowledge that has been created and shared to innovation.