Tacit knowledge management at universities in Kenya

Abstract

Tacit Knowledge (TK) is a resource that is embodied within individuals in the form of experiences, ideas, beliefs, values, and norms. The specific objectives of this study were to examine TK assets at universities in Kenya and establish how TK is managed at universities in Kenya. Qualitative research approach was adopted and multiple case studies through purposive sampling to explore how universities in Kenya are managing their TK. Data was collected through interviews from 39 key informants from the four case study sites. Data was analysed using; conversation analysis, computer assisted qualitative data analysis, and chi-square tests. This study is important because TK is quite essential for institutional functioning and progress. This study identifies human, innovation, and relational capital as assets that have helped institutions to grow in terms of work processes, decision making and creation of new products and/or services. Institutions may need to develop TK assets as tools of their core development goals. The findings of this study can influence TK management policy formulation.