On a high level, the challenges for all forms of knowledge are the same: to build a bridge between seekers and providers of the knowledge. However, on the practical level there exist several knowledge forms that are different, which need to be managed differently.

In this presentation, the different forms of knowledge will be presented and discussed, including what these differences may mean for an organization.

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Explicit knowledge

Explicit knowledge is knowledge that can be articulated / verbalized / expressed / codified.

Explicit knowledge is easily transmitted between individuals.

Explicit knowledge is often referred to as information (see Alavi & Leidner, 2001)

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Managing explicit knowledge

Explicit knowledge can be transferred / converted with the help of electronic tools, such as IT and communication systems. It can also be stored in different form of media, such as paper, emails, wikis, web pages, and in different forms of IT system.

The major problems of explicit knowledge is:

• to manage the sheer volume of available information / knowledge
• to find the right / appropriate information / knowledge needed in a specific situation, and
• to ensure relevance of the information / knowledge to the business
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Tacit knowledge

Tacit knowledge is knowledge embedded in the mind of people and involve intangible factors such as personal beliefs, experiences, perspectives, instincts, and values.

Tacit knowledge is sometimes called embodied knowledge (or just knowledge, see Alavi & Leidner, 2001).