#5 Briefly explain the knowledge spiral modelusing an example to discuss the process of knowledge creating in an organizational setting.

"The Nonaka and Takeuchi KM model focuses on knowledge spirals that explains the transformation of tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge and then back again as the basis for individual, group, and organizational innovation and learning." (K. Dalkir)

The knowledge spiral process suggests that learning is a continuous process. With organizations growing and becoming more efficient everyday it is important to gain knowledge that can be shared throughout the organization. In theory all organizations should follow this concept. Whether they do or not is a different question.

Taking a simple "dictionary definition", tacit knowledge is that which is understood without being openly expressed; it is unvoiced or unspoken. An example might be the knowledge that a native speaker has of a language. Explicit knowledge on the other hand is that which can be expressed clearly, fully and leaves nothing implied. An example might be knowledge that can be formally expressed and transmitted to others through manuals, specifications, regulations, rules or procedures.

First step: Socialization

Much knowledge, perhaps 80%, lies in people's brains. The aim for the knowledge worker is to find ways to collect this tacit knowledge. Socialization consists of sharing knowledge through social interactions.

Socialization is a very effective means of knowledge creation, maybe one of the easiest but nethertheless the more limited. It is also very difficult and time-consuming to disseminate all knowledge using this mode only.

Second step: Externalization

The process of externalization gives a visible form to tacit knowledge and converts it to explicit knowledge.

Third step: Combination

Combination is the process of recombining discrete pieces of explicit knowledge into a new form.

Fourth step: Internalization

Internalization, occurs through diffusing and embedding newly acquired and consolidated knowledge. In some way, internalization is strongly linked to "learning by doing".