In what context is the conversion of tacit knowledge to explicit knowledge most effectively achieved?

The conversion of tacit knowledge to explicit knowledge is most effectively achieved in real-time problem-solving situations because this context allows individuals to articulate their thought processes, experiences, and insights as they actively engage with a specific challenge.

In these scenarios, the immediacy of the problem encourages individuals to verbalize their knowledge and reasoning, which helps to externalize what may otherwise remain unspoken or subconscious. By discussing their strategies and approaches as they tackle an issue, team members can document their tacit knowledge through shared language and clear examples, making this knowledge accessible to others. This ongoing exchange fosters a collaborative environment where learning occurs naturally and knowledge is captured in a form that can be utilized later.

Other contexts like team training sessions and feedback sessions, while valuable for learning and reinforcement, typically focus on pre-defined content or a reflective approach rather than addressing real-time challenges. Annual reviews are more about summarizing past performance rather than actively translating knowledge in the moment. Therefore, real-time problem-solving stands out as the most effective arena for transforming tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge.