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 fact, a Deloitte study found that 75% of organizations believe creating and preserving knowledge is important to their success over the next 12 to 18 months. 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?

Knowledge types represent different ways information and understanding exist within organizations. These 16 categories help you identify, capture, and manage the full spectrum of knowledge—from documented procedures to expert intuition.

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. Unlike raw data and facts, knowledge represents actionable insights that drive informed decisions and effective problem-solving.

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.
  
  

• Procedural knowledge — knowing how to perform tasks, like baking bread or solving an algebra equation.
  
  

• Conceptual knowledge — understanding the relationships between ideas, such as how ecosystems function or why certain business strategies work.
  
  

• Tacit knowledge — intuition, instincts, and experience-based know-how, like recognizing a familiar face in a crowd or sensing the right moment to make a decision.
  
  

Whether learned through study, observation, or practice, knowledge shapes how we navigate the world, solve problems, and share ideas with others.

How different types of knowledge work in business

Understanding knowledge types is a practical framework for making your business run smarter. Not all knowledge can be managed the same way.

Key distinctions include:

• Structured knowledge: Fits neatly into documents and databases

• Experience-based knowledge: Lives in the intuition and expertise of your team

• Process knowledge: Requires hands-on approaches like mentorship

By categorizing your organization's knowledge, you identify what's easy to scale and what needs collaborative problem-solving. This builds a more effective knowledge strategy where critical information is captured, shared, and accessible regardless of format.

The 16 types of knowledge

Knowledge comes in many forms—some easy to share, others harder to capture. Here's a breakdown of the 16 key types of knowledge, plus examples of how each one shows up at work.

Explicit Knowledge

Explicit knowledge is easily articulated, written down, codified, and shared. It is the type of knowledge that can be readily transmitted between people through language, documents, or other formalized means.

Because it is structured and recorded, explicit knowledge forms the backbone of training programs, standard operating procedures, and academic research. Organizations often rely on explicit knowledge to ensure consistency, preserve institutional memory, and scale best practices across teams and locations.

Examples of explicit knowledge:

• Manuals and guides

• Academic papers

• Databases

• Training materials

Key traits of explicit knowledge:

• Systematic

• Easy to document and communicate

• Often structured in formats like text, diagrams, or formulas

Implicit Knowledge

Implicit knowledge is knowledge that hasn't been formally documented but could be made explicit if captured and shared. It often lives in day-to-day habits, informal practices, and unwritten rules that guide how people work together.

Surfacing implicit knowledge helps organizations identify gaps and opportunities to codify processes for better knowledge sharing.

Examples of implicit knowledge:

• Unwritten workflows

• Tips shared informally

• Preferred ways of using internal tools

Key traits of implicit knowledge:

• Not formally codified yet

• 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. This type of knowledge is empirical in nature, meaning it relies on data and real-world evidence to form conclusions. 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, a significant challenge given that 35% of professionals cite a frequent shift in roles and positions as a barrier to effective knowledge sharing.

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:

• Explains "why"

• Focused on systems and frameworks

• Supports reasoning

Metacognitive Knowledge

Metacognitive knowledge involves awareness of one's own learning processes and strategies. It includes understanding how you learn best, recognizing gaps in your knowledge, and applying effective learning techniques. Metacognitive knowledge enhances adaptability and lifelong learning.

Examples of metacognitive knowledge:

• Knowing effective study methods

• Recognizing knowledge gaps

• Reflecting on performance

Key traits of metacognitive knowledge:

• Self-awareness

• Supports adaptability

• Critical for learning

Embedded Knowledge

Embedded knowledge is knowledge built into systems, products, or processes. It is often operationalized within tools, technologies, and workflows, making it difficult to separate from the infrastructure itself. Embedded knowledge ensures consistency and efficiency across repeated activities.

Examples of embedded knowledge:

• Automated workflows

• Embedded quality checks

• Design specifications

Key traits of embedded knowledge:

• Part of organizational infrastructure

• Difficult to separate from the system

• Operationalized

Domain Knowledge (Specialized Knowledge)

Domain knowledge involves expertise in a specific area or field. It includes the terminology, best practices, and methodologies unique to a discipline. Domain knowledge is crucial for informed decision-making and effective problem-solving within specialized contexts.

Examples of domain knowledge:

• Healthcare policy

• Financial modeling

• Digital marketing

Key traits of domain knowledge:

• Field-specific

• Critical for informed decisions

• Requires continual learning

Strategic Knowledge

Strategic knowledge guides decision-making and planning. It involves understanding long-term goals, competitive landscapes, and market dynamics. Strategic knowledge helps organizations prioritize initiatives, allocate resources, and respond effectively to change.

Examples of strategic knowledge:

• Competitive insights

• Growth strategies

• Market positioning

Key traits of strategic knowledge:

• Forward-looking

• Supports planning

• Drives competitive advantage

Self Knowledge

Self knowledge involves an understanding of one's own strengths, weaknesses, and learning preferences. It promotes personal growth, emotional intelligence, and effective leadership. Self knowledge enables individuals to make informed decisions about their actions and goals.

Examples of self knowledge:

• Knowing personal leadership style

• Recognizing stress triggers

• Understanding motivational factors

Key traits of self knowledge:

• Personal

• Reflective

• Enhances effectiveness and well-being

Applications of the different types of knowledge

Not all knowledge serves the same purpose—but when you understand how each type supports your business, you can put the right information to work where it matters most.

For team alignment and consistency:

• Explicit, procedural, declarative, and institutional knowledge

• Playbooks, policies, and historical insights

• Supports onboarding, collaboration, and repeatable processes

For innovation and deep expertise:

• Tacit, implicit, expert, and conceptual knowledge

• Lives in the minds of experienced people

• Shared through mentorship and thoughtful conversations

For faster decision-making:

• Strategic, dispersed, and domain knowledge

• Connects market insights with specialized expertise

• Helps teams move quickly and confidently

For growth and adaptability:

• Metacognitive, self, and embedded knowledge

• Understanding learning patterns and system gaps

• Builds flexibility for future challenges

What is knowledge acquisition?

Knowledge acquisition is the process of learning, collecting, and developing knowledge through experience, education, observation, or formal training. It's about building understanding that helps people make better decisions and solve problems faster.

Key traits of knowledge acquisition

• Continuous and evolving: Ongoing process of learning and improving

• Experience and education driven: Combines hands-on practice with formal instruction

• Active engagement: Requires applying, testing, and internalizing knowledge

• Feedback-based: Uses reflection loops to ensure accuracy and relevance

• Problem-solving focused: Equips people with insights for informed choices

Examples of knowledge acquisition

• Formal training: Onboarding programs, certifications, workshops

• Mentorship: Knowledge transfer through hands-on guidance

• Learning by doing: Insights from projects and problem-solving

• Documentation: Capturing lessons in wikis and playbooks

• Research: Turning observations into actionable insights

• Self-directed learning: Independent exploration of new topics

How to manage knowledge

Managing knowledge means making it accessible so people can find and use it, yet this is a common struggle; one study found 29% of employees report it's difficult or impossible to extract the knowledge needed from their company's repositories. 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.

When it's done well, knowledge management reduces repeated questions, shortens onboarding time, prevents knowledge loss, and keeps teams aligned. For example, a McKinsey study on knowledge brokering found it helped teams design new processes twice as quickly than with conventional techniques.

Turn knowledge into your competitive advantage

Understanding knowledge types transforms how your organization operates and grows. When these knowledge types work together, you prevent information gaps, speed up learning, and empower smarter decision-making. Research shows that when companies prioritize knowledge transfer, 53% of their workers perceive their organisation as more innovative, compared to just 28% at companies without that focus.

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