‘tacit Knowledge’: the Variety of Meanings in Empirical Research

Discussion of tacit knowledge shows much ambiguity over key aspects of the concept. Rather than turning to further theory, this paper examines how the phrase has been applied in empirical research. Eight different uses of the term are identified, six concerning individual level and two collective level notions. Focusing on individual level notions it is argued that some of these uses involve explicitly known knowledge, or stretch the meaning of the phrase beyond credulity. It is suggested that the phrase be used where it can clearly be inferred that actors’ behaviour depended on knowledge of which they were unaware. Such knowledge can arise prior to or in a practice. Some implications for managing tacit knowledge are also considered.