The Unspoken Layer: Exploring Semi-Tacit Knowledge

Written By Mina Cansiz

​In the intricate tapestry of human understanding, knowledge manifests in layers—some readily expressed, others residing just beneath the surface, elusive yet profoundly influential. Delving into these nuances, Gordon Rugg and Sue Gerrard's exploration of explicit and semi-tacit knowledge offers a structured lens through which we can better comprehend the complexities of communication and cognition.​ (hyde and rugg)

Their framework categorizes knowledge based on an individual's ability or willingness to articulate it:​

  • Explicit Knowledge ("Do"): Information that individuals can readily express.

  • Semi-Tacit Knowledge ("Don't"): Information that individuals don't state, either because they assume it's understood or they deem it trivial.​

  • Tacit Knowledge ("Can't"): Information that individuals cannot easily articulate.​

  • Hidden Knowledge ("Won't"): Information that individuals choose not to disclose.​

Focusing on the first two categories, explicit and semi-tacit knowledge, we uncover the following insights:​

Explicit Knowledge ("Do")

This encompasses facts and experiences that individuals can consciously recall and communicate. Examples include semantic memory (e.g., knowing that Paris is the capital of France) and episodic memory (e.g., recalling a trip to Paris). Such knowledge is amenable to formal representation and can be effectively captured through direct methods like interviews and surveys.​

Semi-Tacit Knowledge ("Don't")

Semi-tacit knowledge refers to information that individuals do not express, often because they assume it's common knowledge or consider it insignificant. This category includes:​

  • Short-Term Memory: Transient information that may be overlooked unless captured in real-time.​

  • Taken For Granted (TFG) Knowledge: Assumptions made based on shared understanding, which can lead to communication gaps when the assumed knowledge isn't mutual.​

  • Not Worth Mentioning (NWM) Knowledge: Details deemed too trivial to share, which can be critical in contexts where minor factors have significant implications.​

To access semi-tacit knowledge, specialized techniques such as think-aloud protocols, structured observation, and laddering interviews are employed. These methods help surface underlying assumptions and insights that might otherwise remain hidden.​hyde and rugg

Personal Reflection

As a mentee of Dr. Gordon Rugg , I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand his dedication to unraveling the intricacies of human knowledge. His mentorship not only deepened my understanding of these concepts but also inspired me to apply them in my own research and practice. Dr. Rugg's work serves as a testament to the importance of exploring the depths of what we know, what we assume, and what we overlook, ultimately enriching our collective pursuit of understanding.​

For a more detailed exploration of these concepts, refer to the original article by Gordon Rugg and Sue Gerrard: Explicit and semi-tacit knowledge.

Mina Cansiz