Abstract
Abstract This article proposes an integrated theoretical model, combining Polanyi and Peirce constructs - tacit knowledge and semiotics, respectively - under the symbolic interactionist perspective. It aims to understand how signs are manifested as mediators in the tacit knowledge sharing process among members of a cooperative organization. It is based on: a theoretical articulation of the principles of tacit knowledge, which defends the ineffability of this kind of knowledge; semiotic theory, in which signs are a representation of “something for someone” and imply that everything in the world is a sign; and the symbolic interactionist view. This theoretical integration presents a significant theoretical contribution because it proposes a process of semiotic perception to tacit knowledge sharing. This perspective suggests that tacit knowledge sharing occurs through symbolic interaction, mediated by semiotics; this innovative model depends both on internal and external conditions, albeit involving aspects outside organizational control.
Highlights
The most important component of innovation is knowledge
This paper addresses a social interaction strand in reality creation and treats tacit knowledge sharing as a cognitive process
The crux of this work is to merge the thoughts of Polanyi and Peirce, permeated by the sociology of knowledge and symbolic interactionism, and the environment and context of signs and semiosis as a process of perception
Summary
The most important component of innovation is knowledge. To innovate means to renew the organization continuously, recreating it and its market, toward evolution. The signs work as the mediators between man and the world, created by the human being through the interpretative process. This creation happens through knowledge generated, especially that kind of knowledge that the human mind captures and develops but is not necessarily conscious of Polanyi (1962) named this type of knowledge ‘tacit knowledge’, which he considered to be “ineffable” Polanyi (1962) postulates that because it cannot be articulated, tacit knowledge is shown to others by the things we make This knowledge is shown in our action, in the results organizations achieve, in the products that an organization sells, and in the behaviors produced by people. In this paper we argue that signs are mediators of tacit knowledge sharing, which is carried out by a theoretical articulation of both Peirce’s (semiotic) and Polanyi’s (tacit knowledge) ideas
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
