Factors that impede the transfer of tacit knowledge within and between projects

The purpose of the report is to look at some of the factors that impede thetransfer of tacit knowledge within and between projects. The research involved the collection of quantitative data through non-probabilitypurposive sampling. The data based on survey questionnaires obtained fromthe largest retail financial institution in South Africa, namely Absa Bank; wasanalysed using various descriptive statistical techniques. The report provides evidence that the lack of recognition of the value of tacitknowledge transfer; the lack of recognised, deliberate processes; the lack of adesignated role, responsible for facilitating the transfer of tacit knowledge andthe lack of rewards are core factors, the absence of which makes tacitknowledge transfer less likely to be successful within and between projects. Thefindings also show that trust and a collaborative culture are support factors.Further research would benefit from a broader number of factors and a broaderbase of companies and industries explored. The research offers the recommendation of placing emphasis and effort on corefactors rather than support factors. This understanding could inform decisionmaking and increase the success rate of the transfer of tacit knowledge withinand between projects. The research provides a graphical representation of thefactors that impede the transfer of tacit knowledge within and between projects.Future research recommendations are made that can benefit this research. Copyright © 2006 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria Please cite as follows: Ismail, A 2006, Factors that impede the transfer of tacit knowledge within and between projects, MBA dissertation, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, viewed yymmdd < http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-03302010-154432/ > G10/238/ag