Explicit Knowledge
Knowledge that can be formally captured and represented using symbols such as words, numbers, diagrams, or images, so it can be documented, stored, and shared.
Key Points
- Expressed clearly in text, numbers, charts, or pictures.
- Easy to document, store, version, and retrieve in tools and repositories.
- Shared through artifacts like manuals, plans, checklists, reports, and databases.
- Different from tacit knowledge, which is personal and hard to articulate.
Example
The project manager publishes a risk register with probability, impact scores, and response plans in the PMO repository. Team members can search, read, and reuse this documented content across projects.
PMP Example Question
A team creates a detailed configuration management plan with step-by-step procedures and diagrams. This is an example of what type of knowledge?
- Tacit knowledge
- Explicit knowledge
- Implicit knowledge
- Experiential knowledge
Correct Answer: B - Explicit knowledge
Explanation: The documented procedures and diagrams are codified information that can be stored and shared, which characterizes explicit knowledge.
