Tacit knowledge sharing: review of literature and integrative framework

Abstract

Tacit knowledge is deemed essential in the creation of strategic innovations and represents a basis for the development of lasting competitive advantage. Therefore, understanding tacit knowledge sharing (TKS) has important implications for organisations and individuals who are continuously confronted with the challenge of acquiring and transferring tacit knowledge. Despite several studies on TKS, there seems to be an absence of an overarching picture of the concept of tacit knowledge and the relationship between this concept and other constructs. By reviewing 33 studies, this study synthesises the relationship between TKS and its antecedents. Particularly, we examine definitions of tacit knowledge, hindrances to TKS, and categorise TKS antecedents based on their levels of origin using the antecedents, decision, outcomes (ADO) and theories, context, methods (TCM) framework.