Factors of tacit knowledge acquisition and its mechanism of action on academic research performance: an empirical research from Chinese universities

Purpose This study examines the relationship between higher education improvement and tacit knowledge importance. In this context, the scarcity of empirical and theoretical studies on acquiring tacit knowledge to enhance academic performance in higher education suggests that this research area holds significant importance for experts and policymakers. Consequently, this study aims to explore the factors that influence academic research performance at Chinese universities by acquiring tacit knowledge. Design/methodology/approach To achieve the study aims, the current approach utilizes the research technique based on the socialization, externalization, internalization and combination (SECI) model and knowledge management (KM) theory. To analyze the study objective, the authors collected data from post-graduate students at Chinese universities and analyzed it using structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the model and hypotheses. Findings The results indicated that social interaction, internalization and self-motivation have a positive impact on academic research performance through the acquisition of tacit knowledge. Furthermore, the findings suggest that academic researchers can acquire more knowledge through social interaction than self-motivation, thereby advancing research progress. Originality/value This study addresses the critical issues surrounding the acquisition of tacit knowledge and presents a comprehensive framework and achievements that can contribute to achieving exceptional academic performance.