The SECI Model
Encyclopedia
The theory of organizational knowledge creation developed by Ikujiro Nonaka
and his colleagues (Nonaka 1994; Nonaka et al. 1994; Nonaka & Takeuchi 1995; Nonaka et al. 2000; 2001a;
Nonaka & Toyama 2003) originated in studies of information creation in innovating companies (Imai et al. 1985; Nonaka 1988a, 1988b, 1990, 1991b, Nonaka & Yamanouchi
1989; Nonaka & Kenney 1991) and appears to have undergone two phases of development.
Initially a two dimensional theory of knowledge creation was proposed (Nonaka 1994: 16-17; Nonaka & Takeuchi 1995: 57-60). The first, or “epistemological”, dimension is the site of“social interaction” between tacit
and explicit knowledge
whereby knowledge is converted from one type to another, and new knowledge created (Nonaka et al. 1994: 338; Nonaka 1994: 15).
Four modes of knowledge conversion were identified (Figure 1):
After Internalization
the process continues at a new ‘level’,hence the metaphor of a “spiral” of knowledge creation (Nonaka & Takeuchi 1995: 71-2, 89) often referred to as the SECI model.
Ikujiro Nonaka
is an influential writer and Professor Emeritus at Hitotsubashi University Graduate School of International Corporate Strategy; the First Distinguished Drucker Scholar in Residence at the Drucker School and Institute, Claremont Graduate University; the Xerox Distinguished Faculty Scholar,...
and his colleagues (Nonaka 1994; Nonaka et al. 1994; Nonaka & Takeuchi 1995; Nonaka et al. 2000; 2001a;
Nonaka & Toyama 2003) originated in studies of information creation in innovating companies (Imai et al. 1985; Nonaka 1988a, 1988b, 1990, 1991b, Nonaka & Yamanouchi
1989; Nonaka & Kenney 1991) and appears to have undergone two phases of development.
Initially a two dimensional theory of knowledge creation was proposed (Nonaka 1994: 16-17; Nonaka & Takeuchi 1995: 57-60). The first, or “epistemological”, dimension is the site of“social interaction” between tacit
Tacit knowledge
Tacit knowledge is knowledge that is difficult to transfer to another person by means of writing it down or verbalising it. For example, stating to someone that London is in the United Kingdom is a piece of explicit knowledge that can be written down, transmitted, and understood by a recipient...
and explicit knowledge
Explicit knowledge
Explicit knowledge is knowledge that has been or can be articulated, codified, and stored in certain media. It can be readily transmitted to others. The information contained in encyclopedias are good examples of explicit knowledge....
whereby knowledge is converted from one type to another, and new knowledge created (Nonaka et al. 1994: 338; Nonaka 1994: 15).
Four modes of knowledge conversion were identified (Figure 1):
- tacit to tacit(Socialization);
- tacit to explicit (Externalization);
- explicit to explicit (Combination), and
- explicit to tacit (Internalization).
After Internalization
Internalization
Internalization has different definitions depending on the field that the term is used in. Internalization is the opposite of externalization.- General :...
the process continues at a new ‘level’,hence the metaphor of a “spiral” of knowledge creation (Nonaka & Takeuchi 1995: 71-2, 89) often referred to as the SECI model.