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. Conoscenza esplicita
2. Conoscenza implicita
3. Conoscenza tacita
4. Conoscenza procedurale
5. Conoscenza dichiarativa
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.
  
  
• 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.

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.

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.

If your goal is to keep your team aligned and consistent, explicit, procedural, declarative, and institutional knowledge are key. These are the playbooks, policies, and historical insights that ensure everyone’s on the same page—whether they’re onboarding, collaborating across teams, or following repeatable processes.

When you're focused on driving innovation and deep expertise, it’s the harder-to-capture knowledge that makes the difference. Tacit, implicit, expert, and conceptual knowledge often live in the minds of your most experienced people. Sharing these insights through mentorship, thoughtful conversations, and the right systems helps keep ideas flowing and expertise from getting stuck in silos.

For making smarter decisions faster, strategic, dispersed, and domain knowledge are your secret weapons. These types of knowledge connect the dots between market insights, specialized expertise, and on-the-ground realities—helping your teams move quickly and confidently in the right direction.

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.

When it’s done well, 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.

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