Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of tacit knowledge within innovative organizations. It addresses what organizations can do to promote knowledge sharing in order to improve successful innovation. Compared to available research material on explicit knowledge, the use of tacit knowledge within companies is relatively unexplored. The use of tacit knowledge is assessed with...

The phrase ‘tacit knowledge’ is used in a wide range of disciplines. Examination of definitions and usage in knowledge management, AI, sociology of science, and psychology reveals common aspects, but significant variations. It is a concept without consistency, or clear foundation. Polanyi in fact wrote of ‘tacit knowing’, a process, and so may have been misinterpreted. His emphasis on process m...