Tacit knowledge in blue-collar work: how workers use it to fulfil their side of the psychological contract

Purpose This study aims to analyse the role of tacit knowledge in fulfilling employees’ side of the psychological contract in blue-collar work. Design/methodology/approach The research questions are as follows: How is tacit knowledge acquired in blue-collar work and how do blue-collar workers use tacit knowledge to fulfil their obligations within the psychological contract? This qualitative study comprising 30 interviews uses theory-led content analysis. Findings Blue-collar workers need time and experience to acquire tacit knowledge. An important aspect of tacit knowledge is knowing the ways in which the work is best done in practice and seeking better ways of doing the job. Workers use their tacit knowledge to perform their work well and efficiently, even in problematic situations, and to improve their work to fulfil their side of the psychological contract. Practical implications Organisations should see the value of the tacit knowledge blue-collar workers possess and develop actions that involve the workers in sharing their tacit knowledge and also in planning the actions related to this knowledge sharing. Originality/value This study adds to the limited body of studies on the relationship between tacit knowledge and the psychological contract.