Knowledge ubiquity through the transfer of tacit knowledge in Australian universities

Knowledge management is a process through which organisational intellectual capital and information can be managed. In order to be successful, both large and small organisations rely on their acquired information and intellectual capital. Sharing of tacit knowledge in organisations can contribute to improvements in organisational processes and is a key element in creating and sustaining competitive advantage. Universities are knowledge organisations, with knowledge embedded in people and processes, where the transfer of tacit knowledge is necessary for continual improvement and responding to the external changing environment. This research explores six dimensions (workplace, behavioural, workplace expectations, technology, learning, and culture, age and gender as a group) that have an impact on the transfer of tacit knowledge in four Australian universities. The research also identifies the enablers, inhibitors and processes that will aid in capturing, managing and distributing tacit knowledge.