A Note on the Concept of Tacit Knowledge

Abstract

In their search for clarity and truth, researchers across the disciplines have tended to embellish the concept of tacit knowledge with ever more liberal layers of meaning and characterization, to a point where the concept today seems rather discombobulated by a myriad of dissimilar viewpoints. Some researchers see the issue as a tangible resource that can be easily captured and utilized, while others are still grappling with conceptualizing and measuring the concept. This paper makes three suggestions in an attempt to bring order to this untidy state of affairs; first, a new typology of tacit knowledge is suggested. Second, a call is made for a new deductive test of tacit knowledge and rudimentary suggestions for such a test are made. Third, a call to reviewers and editors is made to begin the process of culling the many ideas that are so often attributed to, or are argued to be tacit knowledge.