Managing tacit knowledge in safety critical systems

Abstract

Knowledge is in the heads of people. Managing knowledge is more than maintaining data bases, but making sure, that relevant knowledge is transferred from head to head. This is especially difficult regarding tacit knowledge on both, individual and collective level. In this applied research project, two methods aiming at improving an organization’s knowledge management were developed: (a) A method for evaluating existing knowledge management processes from a comprehensive point of view providing concrete measures for improvement and (b) a method especially referring to the elicitation of team specific collective tacit knowledge aiming at facilitating cooperation awareness and triggering individual as well as joint learning. Both methods were developed in close cooperation with industrial partners and pilot tested. They delivered valuable insights for improvements.