Ni, G; Zhang, Z; Yuan, Z; Huang, H; Xu, N and Deng, Y (2022) Transformation paths and influencing factors of tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge in real estate companies: A qualitative study. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 29(3), pp. 1319-1342. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to figure out the paths about transformation of tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge, i.e. tacit knowledge explicating (TKE) in real estate companies, and determine the influencing factors of TKE in Chinese real estate companies to enable enterprises make better use of their knowledge resources. Design/methodology/approach: The study adopted an exploratory design method using thematic analysis and grounded theory, and semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data. The interviewees consisted of employees in different positions, who come from Chinese real estate companies with different ranking ranges and different knowledge management levels. Data collection was divided into two rounds for the identification of transformation paths and influencing factors. Findings: This study has shown that 11 paths about TKE divided into solidified organization process and construction of organizational infrastructure go into effect within the real estate companies. Factors influencing TKE in real estate companies concern three main categories: organizational distal factors, contextual proximal factors and individual factors, including 21 subordinates in total. Furthermore, correlation between TKE paths and influencing factors is established. Research limitations/implications: Research results may lack generalizability due to the method adopted. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to verify the outcomes of this research. Practical implications: This research provides a new idea and solutions for the tacit knowledge management in real estate companies. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to systematically identify paths and the influencing factors of TKE in real estate companies, contribute to the incipient but growing understanding of achievement of “tacit to explicit” and enrich the corporate tacit knowledge management literature.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | grounded theory; real estate company; tacit knowledge explicating; tacit knowledge management; thematic analysis |
| Index terms: | grounded theory, qualitative study, transformation, influencing factor, design method, real estate, explicit knowledge, interview, tacit knowledge, knowledge management, methodology, thematic analysis |
| Subjects: | theoretical framing, research methods, methods and analysis, professional development, real estate economics, knowledge management, risk assessment, data collection methods, research design and methodology, business, design methods |
| Topics: | Design Practice, Urban Studies, Risk Management, Research Practice, Information Management, Business Strategy |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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