Tacit knowledge sharing online : a systematic literature review

Abstract

Knowledge is of two types: tacit and explicit. Tacit knowledge is the complex of these due to its inherent precise personal nature. Even though many studies on tacit knowledge sharing online (TKSO) is present a systematic study that unravels the complex nature of this knowledge during the past decade is yet to be undertaken in the academic literature. This study investigates the tacit knowledge being shared in online environments in the form of a systematic literature review. Analyzing 30 journal articles and conference papers through content analysis, the study explores various definitions of tacit knowledge, identifies practices and tools used for TKSO, and examines the factors influencing TKSO. The findings highlight a definition for TKSO and a conceptual framework for the ease of understanding this concept. Furthermore, potential research avenues, including investigating the effectiveness of specific TKSO practices and tools within contexts, and the replicability of the same study with updated data is suggested for the continuation of such systematic studies in future.