What type of knowledge is described as being contained in people's heads?

Tacit knowledge refers to knowledge that is personal and context-specific, making it difficult to formalize or communicate to others. This type of knowledge is often gained through personal experience, insights, beliefs, and skills that individuals accumulate over time. It resides in people's heads and is not easily articulated or documented.

The significance of tacit knowledge lies in its role in effective problem-solving, creativity, and innovation within organizations. Because it often includes intuitions or "gut feelings," it can be incredibly valuable in decision-making processes. Recognizing the importance of tacit knowledge can help organizations tap into the skills and expertise of their employees, fostering an environment that supports knowledge sharing and collaboration.

In contrast, explicit knowledge is knowledge that can be easily articulated, written down, and shared, such as manuals or databases. Procedural knowledge involves knowing how to perform certain tasks, while declarative knowledge pertains to facts and information that can be stated clearly. Each of these types of knowledge has its importance, but tacit knowledge specifically emphasizes what individuals know without a straightforward way to express that knowledge to others.