Issues affecting application of tacit knowledge within software development project

Abstract

Software Development Projects (SDPs) are knowledge oriented in nature, knowledge intensive and they rely on two types of knowledge in order for them to be conducted successfully. The other type of knowledge that is being used is called tacit knowledge which provides a challenge when it comes to application of it. The challenges of application of it has resulted in knowledge imbalance and that leads to the failure of SDPs. This study tries to understand the issues that affect the application of tacit knowledge within SDPs in the Republic of South Africa (RSA). Researchers conducted a qualitative study within RSA. They conducted a total of 17 semi-structured interviews and were analyzed using grounded theory data analysis. The interviews were conducted on different individuals that are working on different SDPs. The results indicated that there are issues that affect the application of tacit knowledge within SDPs. A total of 10 issues were identified and those issues were interrelated. They have influence on each other. It became imminent that the trust is also vital in the application of tacit knowledge especially the trust on the source of tacit knowledge and the results of tacit knowledge.