Information and Communication Technology: Tacit Knowledge and Innovation

Jon-Arild Johannessen and Bjørn Olsen

Chapter 95 in Synergy Matters, 2002, pp 565-570 from Springer

Abstract: Conclusion Tacit knowledge is recognized as playing a key role in determining the extent to which companies are able to create and sustain competitive advantages. However, investments in ICT may lead to a de-emphasizing of tacit knowledge with devastating consequences. Emerging empirical evidence have indicated a lack of support for the positive economic impact of investments ICT. We have argued that this may be due to the mismanagement of knowledge. This mismanagement is first of all created by an imbalance between the emphasis on tacit- and explicit knowledge, often manifested trough firms ICT-strategies prior to investing in ICT. A central point in this is article the focus on establishing the right balance between tacit and explicit knowledge. Central in our argument is the creation of a learning loop where by continuos innovation enhance a higher level of learning by doing-using-, experimenting-, and interacting, creating a positive spiral. To create such learning loop, there is a need to link the company’s tacit knowledge to the company’s external knowledge base by the use of ICT. However, this need to be accompanied by a sensitivity to change and the creation of external meeting places, in order to promote innovation, which in turn promotes performance and enhances a higher level of learning by doing-, using, experimenting—and interacting. The learning loop also improve the company’s sustainable competitive advantages, by limiting competitors possibilities for imitation (througha higher level of tacit knowledge), and by increasing continuous improvements, innovation and performance.

Keywords: Tacit Knowledge; Continuous Improvement; Explicit Knowledge; Intellectual Capital; Strategic Management Journal (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2002
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

There are no downloads for this item, see the EconPapers FAQ for hints about obtaining it.

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-0-306-47467-5_95

Ordering information: This item can be ordered from
http://www.springer.com/9780306474675

DOI: 10.1007/0-306-47467-0_95

Access Statistics for this chapter

More chapters in Springer Books from Springer
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Sonal Shukla () and Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing ().