Necessary and Supportive Conditions for Tacit Knowledge Transfer: A Conceptual Framework

Successful transfer of knowledge (TOK) from sender to receiver of knowledge depends on two sets of conditions. Though these conditions are discussed in the widespread knowledge transfer literature but unfortunately they are not available in a well knitted framework. This study has developed a conceptual framework by using the two-person communication model for interweaving the required conditions for tacit knowledge transfer. The framework is divided into two sections. First section is the communication nucleus that defines the elements of transfer of knowledge as sender (knowledge holder), message (knowledge to be transferred, i.e. the material), medium (relationship between sender and receiver), receiver (knowledge receiver) and feedback (new knowledge creation). Whereas, the second section of the framework (transfer conditionality) identifies and defines content and contextual factors of transfer. The content factors spell out the necessary conditions for transfer and assume that in the absence of these factors, transfer of tacit knowledge will not be possible. Whereas contextual factors are the supportive factors present in the environment. It is assumed that the presence of these supportive conditions will accelerate the transfer process, however, their absence will not stop the transfer process unlike the necessary conditions. Existing frameworks that use basic communication model (either partially or fully) or identify and define the characteristics of elements of TOK (of all or few) were reviewed. Along with the frameworks, critical success factors for TOK were also reviewed as they form the necessary (content factors) and supportive conditions (contextual factors) of the framework. The suggested conceptual framework can be used as a set of guidelines for developing specific policies for transfer, as it clearly outlines the requirements of successful TOK at individual level and at organizational level. Furthermore, the framework will also assist the decision makers / managers in identifying and providing the appropriate conditions for TOK.