Knowledge is the engine behind every smart decision, every big idea, every successful strategy—but not all knowledge works the same way. Sometimes it’s the step-by-step process written down in a playbook. Other times, it’s the gut instinct your most experienced people bring to the table.

When you understand the different ways knowledge shows up across your organization, you can spot the gaps, strengthen collaboration, and tap into the full power of what your team knows. In this guide, we’ll break down the 16 types of knowledge, share clear examples of each, and show how this insight can help your business work smarter, faster, and better.

What Are the 16 Types of Knowledge?

1. Explicit knowledge
2. Implicit knowledge
3. Tacit knowledge
4. Procedural knowledge
5. Declarative knowledge
6. A posteriori knowledge (aka empirical knowledge)
7. A priori knowledge
8. Institutional knowledge
9. Dispersed knowledge
10. Expert knowledge
11. Conceptual knowledge
12. Metacognitive knowledge
13. Embedded knowledge
14. Domain knowledge (aka specialized knowledge)
15. Strategic knowledge
16. Self knowledge

What Is Knowledge? (Definition)

Knowledge refers to information, skills, and understanding acquired through experience, education, reasoning, or discovery. 

It goes beyond data and facts — knowledge represents the insights that allow individuals and organizations to make informed decisions, solve problems, and take action effectively.

What Is Another Word for Knowledge?

Synonyms for knowledge include understanding, expertise, awareness, insight, wisdom, and know-how. 

While each of these words has its own nuance, they all relate to the idea of possessing information, skills, or experience. In a business context, terms like "expertise" or "know-how" often highlight applied knowledge, while "insight" and "wisdom" suggest deeper analysis and judgment.

Examples of Knowledge

Knowledge encompasses a wide spectrum of understandings, skills, and insights — from simple facts to complex problem-solving abilities. It includes knowing how to ride a bike, remembering the causes of historical events, understanding scientific theories, or mastering a musical instrument. Knowledge can take many forms:

• Declarative knowledge — knowing facts, such as the capital of a country or the rules of a game.
  
  
• 절차적인 지식 — 일정한 작업을 수행하는 방법, 예를 들어, 밀가나다 만드는 법이나 가로등을 해결하는 방법에 대한 지식.
  
  
• 개념적 지식 — 아이디어의 상관 관계를 이해하는 능력, 예를 들면 생태계가 어떻게 작동하는지, 또는 특정 비즈니스 전략이 왜 효과적인지.
  
  
• 잃어버린 지식 — 직관, 직감, 경험이 바탕이 되는 지식, 예를 들면, 줄넘기 경기를 지켜보는 사람은 명확하게 말할 수 없지만, 대충 줄넘기를 하는 그릇에는 어떤 중력이 영향을 미치는지, 때로는 스타트 함수에 주해되는 대체에 의해 영향을 받을 수도 있습니다.
  
  

유지 않은 지식이든 학습을 통해 얻든 관찰을 통해 얻든 실습을 통해 얻든 지식은 우리가 세상을 지날 수 있도록, 문제를 해결하고 다른 사람들과 아이디어를 공유하는 데 도움이 됩니다.

16 종료의 지식

지식은 무수히 많은 형태를 가지고 있기 때문에 대다수는 쉽게 공유되지만, 일부는 더 잘 포착하거나 측정하기 어렵습니다. 이미지에서 16 가지 유형의 지식을 설명한 그림 - 시스템적 지식, 자연적 지식 및 명시적, 무형적 지식.

명시적 지식은 용이하게 표현 및 설명 가능한 지식, 즉 문서에 기록, 콘텐츠를 생성 및 공유할 수 있습니다.

직접적 지식이 수식식으로 정리하였으며 기록하며 인식되며 쉽게 표현할 수 있습니다. 명시적 지식은 언어, 문서, 공식적인 커뮤니케이션 형태를 통해 전달될 수 있습니다.

그것은 체계적이므로 트레이닝 프로그램, 네이밍컨벤션, 다른 학문적 연구로 된 표준으로 시스템화 되어 있습니다. 명시적 지식은 규칙적, 종속적이라고도 하며, 기관이나 법인에 따라 확증일 수 있습니다. 또 그들은 더블 채널 스타일이어서, 소통과 인도로 점화할 되고 확증 방식과의 커뮤니케이션을 쉽게하기로 하여 가장 많이 기록되고 교류되고 공유됩니다.

명시적 지식의 예시:

• 매뉴얼 및 가이드
• 학술Paper
• 데이터 베이스
• TRAININGMATERIALS

명시적 지식의 일반적인 특징

• 표계적
• 쉬운 문서화와 카운터메시지
• 네트워크, 오해, 물고기와 같은 식별자 그룹핑이 있는 일반형식 자식 문서에서 구조화

무형적 지식

앱코딩 전문가 직관적 지식은 기본적으로 단순히 지식일 것이고 명시적이 아닐 것이므로 일관성, 규칙성 등에 초점이 맞춰서 가이드라인 설정이 쉽다.

앱코드 전문가가 지원합니다.

무형적 지식에 대한 예시

• 없든 유하는 조치
• 글로브 인식
• 회사 내 프름위스

무형적 지식의 대부분을 나타내는 성향

• 익명적
• Transferable through observation or conversation
• Often embedded in routines

Tacit Knowledge

Tacit knowledge is personal, experience-based knowledge that is difficult to express or document. It is often developed over time through practice and intuition rather than through formal instruction. 

Because tacit knowledge is hard to articulate, it typically spreads through mentorship, coaching, and direct observation.

Examples of tacit knowledge:

• A designer’s instinct for layouts
• A leader’s negotiation timing
• A chef’s flavor balance

Key traits of tacit knowledge:

• Hard to articulate
• Gained through experience
• Shared through mentorship

Procedural Knowledge

Procedural knowledge involves knowing how to perform specific tasks or processes. It includes step-by-step instructions that guide actions and ensure consistency across repetitive tasks. Procedural knowledge is critical for operational efficiency and helps minimize errors and training time.

Examples of procedural knowledge:

• Onboarding new hires
• Configuring software
• Resolving customer issues

Key traits of procedural knowledge:

• Action-oriented
• Documented as step-by-step instructions
• Enables consistent execution

Declarative Knowledge

Declarative knowledge is factual knowledge about “what is true.” It refers to information that can be stated clearly, such as data, facts, and general knowledge about the world. Declarative knowledge forms the foundation for understanding more complex concepts and processes.

Examples of declarative knowledge:

• Mission statements
• Market share data
• Compliance requirements

Key traits of declarative knowledge:

• Fact-based
• Stable over time
• Easily communicated

A Posteriori Knowledge (Empirical Knowledge)

A posteriori knowledge is gained through experience, observation, or experimentation. 실수로 수집된 empirical 진술은 empirical 데이터와 실현된 진술에 근거하여 결론을 내릴 때 사용됩니다. It is essential for scientific research, testing, and data-driven decision-making.

Examples of a posteriori knowledge:

• Learning ROI through testing
• Observing customer behavior
• Measuring outcomes

Key traits of a posteriori knowledge:

• Derived from experience
• Empirical and measurable
• Supports data-driven decisions

A Priori Knowledge

A priori knowledge is knowledge that exists independently of experience, based on reasoning or logic. This type of knowledge includes mathematical truths, logical deductions, and universal principles that do not require empirical evidence to be validated. A priori knowledge serves as the foundation for many theoretical models and frameworks.

Examples of a priori knowledge:

• Mathematical truths
• Logical conclusions
• Foundational principles

Key traits of a priori knowledge:

• Reasoned without observation
• Based on logic
• Foundational to frameworks

Institutional Knowledge

Institutional knowledge is specific to an organization’s history, culture, and processes. It includes the collective experiences, traditions, and know-how that have shaped the organization over time. Preserving institutional knowledge helps prevent the loss of critical insights when key employees leave.

Examples of institutional knowledge:

• Policy origins
• Backstory of decisions
• Awareness of past successes

Key traits of institutional knowledge:

• Organization-specific
• Formal or informal
• Often resides in tenured employees

Dispersed Knowledge

Dispersed knowledge is information spread across many individuals or departments. It often resides in pockets of expertise throughout an organization, making it challenging to access without deliberate collaboration. Harnessing dispersed knowledge improves decision-making and promotes innovation.

Examples of dispersed knowledge:

• Regional sales insights
• Technical knowledge across teams
• Financial allocations

Key traits of dispersed knowledge:

• Distributed across teams
• Hard to centralize
• Revealed through collaboration

Expert Knowledge

Expert knowledge is deep, specialized understanding in a particular field. It is developed through years of practice, formal education, and real-world experience. Expert knowledge is often the source of innovation, leadership, and strategic direction within an organization.

Examples of expert knowledge:

• Software architecture
• Regulatory compliance
• SEO best practices

Key traits of expert knowledge:

• Specialized
• Gained through experience
• Source of leadership

Conceptual Knowledge

Conceptual knowledge involves understanding principles, models, and relationships between ideas. It provides the "why" behind processes and decisions, allowing individuals to connect facts and procedures within a broader framework. Conceptual knowledge is key for problem-solving, critical thinking, and strategic planning.

Examples of conceptual knowledge:

• Business models
• Strategic frameworks
• Scientific theories

Key traits of conceptual knowledge:

• explain why
• system & framework focused
• provides reasoning support

[other]

• includes awareness of one’s own learning processes and strategies
• how to learn best
• recognizing knowledge gaps
• applying effective learning techniques

• includes awareness of one’s own learning processes and strategies
• how to learn best
• recognizing knowledge gaps
• applying effective learning techniques

[other]

• effective study methods
• knowing knowledge gaps
• reflecting on performance

[other]

• self-awareness
• critical for learning
• supports adaptability

[other]

built into systems, products or processes embedded knowledge is built into systems, products, or processes embedded knowledge is built into systems, products or processes

[other]

• automated workflows
• embedded quality checks
• design specifications

[other]

• part of organizational infrastructure
• difficult to separate from the system
• operationalized

[other]

expertise in a specific area or field includes terminology, best practices and methodologies unique to a specific discipline. includes terminology, best practices and methodologies unique to a specific discipline

[other]

• healthcare policy
• financial modelling
• digital marketing

[other]

• field specific
• 비판적인 선결정으로 중요한
• 연속적인 학습이 필요합니다.

전략적 지식

전략적 지식은 판단 및 계획을 하는 데 도움이 됩니다. 전략적 지식은 장기적인 목표, 경쟁 환경 및 시장 동향을 이해하는 것을 포함하여 다른 것을 포함합니다. 전략적 지식은 조직이 이니셔티브를 우선순위를 둡니다, 자원 할당, 변화에 효과적으로 대응하는 데 도움이 됩니다.

전략적 지식의 예

• 경쟁 심찰
• 성장 전략
• 시장 시점

• 앞으론-centered
• 계획을 지원합니다.
• 경쟁적 이점을 유도합니다

자아 지식

자아 지식은 자신의 강점, 약점 및 학습 선호도를 이해하는 것을 포함합니다. 자아 지식을 사용하면 스스로 성장, 감정 인식 및 효과적인 리더십이 촉진됩니다. 자아 지식은 이론적으로 행동 및 목표에 대한 정보된 결정을 내릴 수 있습니다.

자아 지식의 예

• 자신의 리더십 스타일을知道
• 스트레스 유발원 인식을하기
• 동기유발 요인

자아 지식의 열쇠

• 자아
• 사나운
• 효과를 증대시켰고, phúc생을 장려

난소의 분류

모든 지식이 같은 목적으로 일어나지 않습니다.แต, 각 대덕이 지원하는 비즈니스에 이해하면, 올바른 정보에 작업할 수 있어야 합니다.

기능의 동기화가 전체 팀의 동기화 및 일관성을 유지하는 데 도움이 되는 대상이면, 명시적이고 절차적이고 선언적이고 기관적 지식이 열쇠입니다. 这些 playbooks, policies, and historical insights ensure that everyone's on the same page—whether they're onboarding, collaborating across teams, or following repeatable processes.

시장 변동이 될 때 스사적 지식, 묵묵한 지식, 전문 지식 및 개념적 지식, 특정 지식이 소수의 경험이나 조직이 특히 필요한 때에는 충분하지 못합니다. 이러한 지식을 조심스럽게 다룹니다.

지식에관한 중요한 결정을 빨리 내릴 수 있게 도와주는 목적이면, 전략적 지식, 분산 지식 및 도메인 지식이 좋은 재료입니다. 이러한 지식의 연결은 경향, 전문 지식 및 지루 실력을 합쳐주는 정보는 팀이 신속하고 정확하게 전진할 수 있도록 합니다.

‪ And to support growth and adaptability, metacognitive, self, and embedded knowledge come into play. ‬ Whether it’s understanding how people learn best, recognizing gaps in your systems, or baking knowledge directly into your tools and workflows, these types of knowledge help your organization stay flexible and ready for what’s next.

By understanding the different roles these knowledge types play, you can focus your knowledge-sharing efforts where they’ll have the biggest impact—and make sure your team has what they need to work smarter, not harder.

What Is Knowledge Acquisition?

Knowledge acquisition refers to the process of learning, collecting, and developing knowledge through experience, education, observation, or formal training. It involves gathering both new information and refining existing understanding to improve skills, decision-making, and innovation.

But acquisition isn’t just about collecting facts. It’s about building the understanding that helps people make better decisions, solve problems faster, and adapt to change.

Key traits of knowledge acquisition

‪ Continuous and evolving:
 ‬ Knowledge acquisition isn’t a one-and-done task. It’s an ongoing process of learning, questioning, and improving over time.

‪ Driven by both experience and education:
 ‬ Learning happens through hands-on experience just as much as through formal instruction or documentation. The best knowledge strategies recognize and leverage both.

‪ Active, not passive:
 ‬ True acquisition requires engagement. It’s not just reading or listening—it’s applying, testing, and internalizing what’s learned.

‪ Built on reflection and feedback:
 ‬ Whether it’s individual learning or organizational knowledge-building, reflection and feedback loops help ensure that knowledge is accurate, relevant, and continually improving.

‪ Focused on problem-solving:
 ‬ The ultimate goal of knowledge acquisition is action. It equips people with the insights they need to tackle challenges and make informed choices.

Examples of knowledge acquisition

‪ Formal training and education:
 ‬ Onboarding programs, certifications, workshops, and courses that build foundational or specialized skills.

‪ Mentorship and coaching:
 ‬ Knowledge passed from experienced team members to newer ones through hands-on guidance and shared experience.

‪ Learning by doing:
 ‬ Gaining insights directly from projects, experiments, and day-to-day problem-solving.

‪ Knowledge sharing and documentation:
 ‬ Capturing what’s learned through wikis, playbooks, or shared resources so others can benefit from that knowledge.

‪ Data analysis and research:
 ‬ Turning observations, customer feedback, or analytics into actionable insights that inform strategy and decision-making.

‪ Self-directed learning:
 ‬ Exploring new topics, reading, attending webinars, or using online resources to fill knowledge gaps independently.

How to Manage Knowledge

Managing knowledge means making it accessible so people can find and use it. Effective ‪ knowledge management ‬ ensures that the right insights are captured, kept up to date, and accessible—exactly when and where teams need them.

What is knowledge management?

‪ Turning information into action
 ‬ Knowledge management is the process of creating, organizing, sharing, and maintaining knowledge across your organization. It ensures that important insights don’t get lost in inboxes or stuck in people’s heads—and that your team always has the trusted info they need to move quickly and confidently.

knowledge management reduces repeated questions, shortens onboarding time, prevents knowledge loss, and keeps teams aligned.”

 what is a knowledge worker? 

The people who power modern businesses A knowledge worker is someone whose job relies on thinking, problem-solving, and applying expertise—rather than manual tasks. Think analysts, consultants, engineers, marketers, customer success managers. A knowledge manager is a knowledge worker whose job is making sure everyone has access to the information they need. 

These employees are constantly making decisions and solving problems. Giving them fast access to the right knowledge (and the ability to share what they know) is what turns individual expertise into team-wide performance.

 what is a knowledge graph? 

Connecting the dots across your information A knowledge graph is a structured map of how your data, documents, people, and concepts connect. Instead of storing information in silos, a knowledge graph links related content—making it easier to search, surface, and apply what your team knows.

It powers smarter search, more personalized recommendations, and faster access to relevant info—especially when integrated with tools your team already uses.

Conclusion

The different types of knowledge shape how your organization operates, innovates, and grows—but only if they’re shared and put to use. When you understand how these knowledge types work together, you can prevent information gaps, speed up learning, and empower your team to make smarter decisions every day. Want to see how Guru can help you manage knowledge more effectively?” watch our demo now .

‍

‍

‍