Design, Development, and Testing of Tacit Knowledge-Capturing Protocol of PHILMECH Scientists

Abstract

Capturing and preserving tacit knowledge within organizations is a challenging yet crucial endeavor. However, if successfully captured, it can prevent knowledge loss in an organization and contribute to the improved productivity and efficiency of the next generation of staff. This is the case for PHilMech scientists who hold critical organizational knowledge. Therefore, the study aims to design, develop, and test a protocol for capturing tacit knowledge.

This study used participatory action research (PAR) and collaborated with PHilMech scientists and the members of the PRAISE committee of PHilMech as research participants. Data were collected through unstructured interviews and focus group discussions.

The study identified storytelling sessions, lessons learned sessions, and legacy talks as the appropriate methods for the design of the protocol. Meanwhile, the developed protocol was determined to be embedded in the offboarding requirements of the retiring staff to ensure the capture of his/her knowledge before leaving the agency. Lastly, the pilot testing of the protocol has produced knowledge products in formats of flippable manuals, podcasts, online video series, and an easily accessible online repository.

In conclusion, the study has designed, developed, and pilot-tested an applicable protocol to capture the tacit knowledge of PHilMech scientists. Future research should explore other KM methods for sustaining this protocol, deeply analyzing the tacit knowledge captured, and expanding this intervention even beyond PHilMech.