In information transfer, tacit and explicit are two key forms of knowledge. They represent how knowledge can be used and transferred through communication (Saint-Onge, 1996). The endocrine system emphasises this. Tacit knowledge represents personal information and ideas that individuals hold themselves (Endres et al., 2007). On the other hand, explicit refers to knowledge which is public and presented in a formal manner (Zhang & Kim, 2011). There is a continuous exchange between the two within business, especially learning organisations (Keane, Barbare & Munive-Hernandez, 2007). The endocrine system operates in this manner; transferring hormones and messages. The adrenal glands send out hormones to certain areas where information and change are needed (The Endocrine Foundation, 2011). It can improve movement, body shape and our responses to physical and emotional stress, much like how knowledge shapes an organisation. This is similar to the role of communication in organisations; responding to changes in the internal and external environment, tasks and problem solving. Tacit knowledge comes from the adrenal glands and pancreas; it is then turned into explicit knowledge when transferred to other areas of the body. They themselves have tacit knowledge, which they send back in an explicit form through the messages.
Catherine Lennie
 |
| Image from: NIH (2011a) |
The role of knowledge management (KM) within organisations is represented by the endocrine system. It is responsible for regulating hormones and glands throughout the human body (The Endocrine Foundation, 2011). On the functional level, it provides an insight into how KM plays a role in organisations. Within the endocrine system, there are two key parts; the adrenal glands and the pancreas. The adrenal glands enable the body to achieve balance through reacting to changes and stress (University of Maryland Medical Centre, 2011). When triggered, hormones are secreted from the glands into the bloodstream, targeting certain areas. Messages are then sent back, indicating changes and the current state (The Endocrine Foundation, 2011). Consequently this enables the body to restore balance. The pancreas also operates to maintain balance and works through message transfers. It is responsible for digestion and regulates blood sugar through the use of glucose (Pancreas.org, 2011). Overall, KM operates in organisations to communicate information and develop ideas (Garrido-Morena & Padilla-Melendez, 2011). Knowledge is a highly valued strategic asset in organisations (Chiang, Han & Chuang, 2011). It increases competitive advantage and aids in operational and technological aspects (Teece, 1998). Individuals are the key asset and expanding and integrating their knowledge helps business processes.
 |
| Image from: NIH (2011b) |
There are limitations in this area of KM as it is difficult to specify exact definitions for each form as there is significant overlap in their functions (Haldin-Herrgard, 2000). Also, it is difficult to represent tacit knowledge to its full extent through explicit forms. Making tacit knowledge accessible to others can result in an incomplete representation. To understand the workings and function of the adrenal gland took years of research, much like KM. Future work in this area will increase understanding and use of knowledge.
Nonaka (1994) introduced the concept of ‘Ba’; the space that is created in order for knowledge to be shared and created. The importance of space was acknowledge in past management research, however, it was Nonaka (1994) who clearly specified the concept. Introducing the idea of ‘Ba’ brought an understanding regarding the role of space and how to use the environment (Nonaka & Konno, 1998). Space can be seen as the human body and consequently hormone are messages through the endocrine system. As employees are located throughout, these explicit messages can be communicated. The SECI model exemplifies this through the information transfer; socialisation, externalisation, combination and internalisation (Wu, Senoo, Magnier-Watanabe, 2010). Socialisation is the transfer of tacit knowledge between two people communicating their personal information through joint activities (Nonaka & Konno, 1998). There does not need to be verbal communication, but a learning experience in the same space. Externalisation shows the transfer of tacit knowledge into explicit. Knowledge is put into a form to be communicated to others. Individuals must be strategic in the way that they transfer information to explicit form as it needs to represent the tacit form (Nonaka & Konno, 1998). Combination then represents a furthering of the explicit knowledge through conversation and editing into a new form. Lastly, internalisation is the stage when explicit forms of knowledge are transferred back into tacit forms for the organisation.
KM is able to take place throughout various types of organisations; this also includes small and medium sizes (Zhang & Kim, 2011). In comparison to larger organisations they have fewer resources, yet are still able to benefit from KM strategies. The role of KM within business will continue to gain importance in the future. As more organisations adopt the learning approach, a greater understanding of its contribution to competitive advantage will be valued.
 |
Source: SECI model adapted from Nonaka (1994). |
