Records management and the capture of tacit knowledge

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to consider the question ‘is it necessary and appropriate for records managers to play a role in identifying and capturing tacit knowledge into records and maintaining them accordingly, and by doing so safeguarding the organisation’s intellectual assets, moving human capital into structural capital’? Nonaka emphasises that tacit knowledge is a main source for creating new knowledge and continuous innovation. The need for, and ability of, organisations to capture tacit knowledge remains a disputed academic issue. Considering Nonaka’s hierarchy of data → information → knowledge, the need for a reverse movement from knowledge → information seems to be a fair and logical conclusion. Making the case for capturing tacit knowledge, this paper goes on to discuss some of the implications for records management and records managers. There are no easy solutions on offer for the successful capture and re‐use of tacit knowledge but questions are raised about the role of records managers. Developing relevant skills and taking responsibility for helping organisations with this strategic goal, thereby contributing to some core aspirations of our employers, should be an exciting prospect and worthwhile activity.