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Tacit Knowledge Awareness And Sharing Influence On Innovation

Author

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  • Wioleta Kucharska

    (Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk, Poland)

  • G. Scott Erickson

    (Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY, USA)

Abstract

This study measures the relationship between tacit knowledge and innovation in the Polish and US information technology (IT) industries. Large samples were obtained, allowing quantitative modeling not possible in many tacit knowledge studies focused on more qualitative analysis. Conceptually, the study identifies the potential sources of tacit knowledge (learning-by-doing and/or learning-by-interaction), individual tacit knowledge development leading to a willingness to share, and the consequent correlation to process and/or product/service innovation. The important role of critical thinking as a control variable in tacit knowledge development in individuals is also identified as is the connection of process innovation as a mediator between tacit knowledge sharing and product/service innovation. The model is supported across both samples though with interesting differences across countries, particularly in sources of tacit knowledge (more learn-by-doing in the US), the link between awareness and sharing (stronger in US), and innovation (process as a full mediator in Poland, complementary in the US). The main theoretical contribution is empirical support for tacit knowledge's role in innovation, including the step-by-step details of how everything connects as well as details on how the model can differ by national context. The managerial implications include the care that must be taken to evaluate national circumstances and their potential impact on a firm's management of tacit knowledge.

Suggested Citation

  • Wioleta Kucharska & G. Scott Erickson, 2021. "Tacit Knowledge Awareness And Sharing Influence On Innovation," GUT FME Working Paper Series A 63, Faculty of Management and Economics, Gdansk University of Technology.
    • Handle: RePEc:gdk:wpaper:63
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    Cited by:

    1. Kucharska, Wioleta, 2022. "Tacit knowledge influence on intellectual capital and innovativeness in the healthcare sector: A cross-country study of Poland and the US," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 149(C), pages 869-883.
    2. Wioleta Kucharska, 2021. "Tacit Knowledge Awareness And Sharing As A Focal Part Of Knowledge Production In Polish And Us Information Technology, Health Care, And Construction Industries," GUT FME Working Paper Series A 64, Faculty of Management and Economics, Gdansk University of Technology.
    3. Wioleta Kucharska, 2021. "Intellectual Capital, and Knowledge Processes for Organizational Innovativeness across Industries: The Case of Poland - the full version of a study published in JIC," GUT FME Working Paper Series A 65, Faculty of Management and Economics, Gdansk University of Technology.

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    Keywords

    Tacit knowledge; knowledge awareness; knowledge sharing; innovation; IT industry; Poland; USA;
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