The SECI model of knowledge dimensions (or the Nonaka-Takeuchi model) is a model of knowledge creation that explains how tacit and explicit knowledge are converted into organizational knowledge. The SECI model distinguishes four knowledge dimensions (forming the "SECI" acronym):

Socialization In sociology, socialization or socialisation (see spelling differences) is the process of internalizing the norms and ideologies of society. Socialization encompasses both learning and teaching and is thus "the means by which social and cultura ...

Externalization In Freudian psychology, externalization is an unconscious defense mechanism by which an individual projects their own internal characteristics onto the outside world. It may refer to: * Externalization (migration), efforts by countries to prevent ...

Combination In mathematics, a combination is a selection of items from a set that has distinct members, such that the order of selection does not matter (unlike permutations). For example, given three fruits, say an apple, an orange and a pear, there are ...

, and

Internalization Internalization ( or internalisation) is the process of making something internal, with more specific meanings in various fields. It is the opposite of externalization. Psychology and sociology In psychology, internalization is the outcome of ...

. The model was originally developed by Ikujiro Nonaka in 1990 and later further refined by Hirotaka Takeuchi.

Four modes of knowledge conversion

Assuming that knowledge is created through the interaction between tacit and explicit knowledge, four different modes of knowledge conversion can be postulated: from tacit knowledge to tacit knowledge (''socialization''), from tacit knowledge to explicit knowledge (''externalization''), from explicit knowledge to explicit knowledge (''combination''), and from explicit knowledge to tacit knowledge (''internalization'').Nonaka, Ikujiro; Takeuchi, Hirotaka (1995), The knowledge creating company: how Japanese companies create the dynamics of innovation, New York: Oxford University Press, Four modes of knowledge conversion: # ''Socialization'' (Tacit to Tacit) –

is a process of sharing knowledge, including observation, imitation, and practice through

apprenticeship Apprenticeship is a system for training a new generation of practitioners of a trade or profession with on-the-job training and often some accompanying study (classroom work and reading). Apprenticeships can also enable practitioners to gain a ...

. Apprentices work with their teachers or mentors to gain knowledge by imitation, observation, and practice. In effect, socialization is about capturing knowledge by physical proximity, wherein direct interaction is a supported method to acquire knowledge. Socialization comes from sharing the experience with others. It also can come from direct interactions with customers and from inside your own organization, just by interacting with another section or working group. For example, brainstorming with colleagues. The tacit knowledge is transferred by common activity in the organizations, such as being together and living in the same environment. # ''Externalization'' (Tacit to Explicit) – Externalization is the process of making tacit knowledge explicit, wherein knowledge is

crystallized Crystallization is the process by which solid forms, where the atoms or molecules are highly organized into a structure known as a crystal. Some ways by which crystals form are precipitating from a solution, freezing, or more rarely d ...

and is thus able to be shared by others, becoming the basis of new knowledge. This includes publishing or articulating knowledge. Concepts, images, and written documents, for example, can support this kind of interaction. # ''Combination'' (Explicit to Explicit) –

involves organizing and integrating knowledge, whereby different types of explicit knowledge are merged (for example, in building

prototypes A prototype is an early sample, model, or release of a product built to test a concept or process. It is a term used in a variety of contexts, including semantics, design, electronics, and software programming. A prototype is generally used t ...

). The creative use of computerized communication networks and large-scale databases can support this mode of knowledge conversion: explicit knowledge is collected from inside or outside the organization and then combined, edited, or processed to form new knowledge. The new explicit knowledge is then disseminated among the members of the organization. # ''Internalization'' (Explicit to Tacit) –

involves the receiving and application of knowledge by an individual, enclosed by learning-by-doing. On the other hand, explicit knowledge becomes part of an individual's knowledge and will be assets for an organization. Internalization is also a process of continuous individual and collective reflection, as well as the ability to see connections and recognize patterns, and the capacity to make sense between fields, ideas, and concepts. After internalization, the process continues at a new 'level', hence the metaphor of a "spiral" of knowledge creation is often referred to as the SECI model. Nonaka and Konno subsequently developed the SECI model by introducing the Japanese concept of Ba''', which roughly translates as 'place'. ''Ba'' can be thought of as a shared context or shared space in which knowledge is shared, created, and utilized. It is a concept that unifies physical space such as an office space, virtual space such as e-mail, and mental space such as shared ideas.

Acceptance

Nonaka’s and Takeuchi’s SECI model is widely known and has achieved

paradigmatic In science and philosophy, a paradigm () is a distinct set of concepts or thought patterns, including theories, research methods, postulates, and standards for what constitute legitimate contributions to a field. Etymology ''Paradigm'' comes ...

status. Perceived advantages of the model include: *its appreciation of the dynamic nature of knowledge and knowledge creation. *it provides a framework for the management of the relevant processes. The model has also been much criticized at times. Criticisms include: *It is based on a study of Japanese organizations, which heavily rely on tacit knowledge: employees are often with a company for life. *The

linearity Linearity is the property of a mathematical relationship ('' function'') that can be graphically represented as a straight line. Linearity is closely related to '' proportionality''. Examples in physics include rectilinear motion, the linear ...

of the concept: can the spiral jump steps? Can it go counter-clockwise? Since the model is bi-directional with only two nodes, the answer is yes, but so what? An example would be an elevator in a two-story building. While it may have numbers for the floor to push to go to, it could just as easily function with only a "go" button. *Stephen Gourlay (2006) has considered why knowledge conversion has to begin with socialization if tacit knowledge is the source of new knowledge. Knowledge conversion could also begin for example with combination because new knowledge creation would begin with the creative synthesis of explicit knowledge. *The model does not explain at all how new ideas and solutions are developed in practice.

Four modes of knowledge conversion

Acceptance

See also

References

Further reading