{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,3,24]],"date-time":"2026-03-24T13:44:56Z","timestamp":1774359896918,"version":"3.50.1"},"reference-count":70,"publisher":"Emerald","issue":"1","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2007,2,27]],"date-time":"2007-02-27T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1172534400000},"content-version":"tdm","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/www.emerald.com\/insight\/site-policies"}],"content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":[],"published-print":{"date-parts":[[2007,2,27]]},"abstract":"<jats:sec><jats:title content-type=\"abstract-heading\">Purpose<\/jats:title><jats:p><jats:italic>The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of tacit knowledge in construction and to underline the significant contribution of tacit knowledge towards the organisational performance.<\/jats:italic><\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type=\"abstract-heading\">Design\/methodology\/approach<\/jats:title><jats:p><jats:italic>Includes a review of literature on principal insights of dominant views on knowledge and organisational resources to highlight the strategic nature of tacit knowledge. Further, intrinsic characteristics of the construction industry are discussed to underline the people factor and the role of the tacit knowledge.<\/jats:italic><\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type=\"abstract-heading\">Findings<\/jats:title><jats:p><jats:italic>Valuable human and knowledge resources will be wasted unless organisations make better use of these prime resources. Tacit knowledge in particular is still considered to be relatively unexplored and proper understanding and management of this resource are of immense importance for better organisational performance. In this context, this paper reveals the labour and knowledge intensive nature of the construction industry and highlights the importance and the significant role of people factor and tacit knowledge in construction.<\/jats:italic><\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type=\"abstract-heading\">Originality\/value<\/jats:title><jats:p><jats:italic>Owing to paucity of literature and inadequate empirical research done, this paper provides the basis for more empirical research on finding importance of tacit knowledge towards organisational performance in the construction industry.<\/jats:italic><\/jats:p><\/jats:sec>","DOI":"10.1108\/13673270710728277","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2007,2,28]],"date-time":"2007-02-28T13:15:02Z","timestamp":1172668502000},"page":"115-126","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":127,"title":["Tacit knowledge and organisational performance: construction industry perspective"],"prefix":"10.1108","volume":"11","author":[{"given":"Chaminda P.","family":"Pathirage","sequence":"first","affiliation":[]},{"given":"Dilanthi G.","family":"Amaratunga","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[]},{"given":"Richard P.","family":"Haigh","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[]}],"member":"140","reference":[{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b1","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Amit, R. and Schoemaker, P.J.H. (1993), \u201cStrategic assets and organizational rent\u201d, Strategic Management Journal, Vol. 14 No. 1, pp. 33\u201046.","DOI":"10.1002\/smj.4250140105"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b2","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Barney, J.B. (1991), \u201cFirm resources and sustained competitive advantage\u201d, Journal of Management, Vol. 17, pp. 99\u2010120.","DOI":"10.1177\/014920639101700108"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b3","unstructured":"Beckman, T. (1997), \u201cA methodology for knowledge management\u201d, paper presented at the International Association of Science and Technology for Development AI and Soft Computing Conference, Banff, Canada."},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b4","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Beveren, J.V. (2002), \u201cA model of knowledge that refocuses knowledge management\u201d, Journal of Knowledge Management, Vol. 6 No. 1, pp. 18\u201022.","DOI":"10.1108\/13673270210417655"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b5","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Blumentritt, R. and Johnston, R. (1999), \u201cTowards a strategy for knowledge management\u201d, Technology Analysis and Strategic Management, Vol. 11 No. 3, pp. 287\u2010300.","DOI":"10.1080\/095373299107366"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b6","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Bon, R. (2000), The Future of International Construction, Thomas Telford, London.","DOI":"10.1680\/tfoic.27497"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b7","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Bon, R. and Crosthwaite, D. (2001), \u201cThe future of international construction: some results of 1992\u20101999 surveys\u201d, Building Research and Information, Vol. 29 No. 3, pp. 242\u20107.","DOI":"10.1080\/096132101300099790"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b9","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Brown, J.S. and Duguid, P. (1998), \u201cOrganizing knowledge\u201d, Californian Management Review, Vol. 40 No. 3, pp. 90\u2010111.","DOI":"10.2307\/41165945"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b8","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Brown, S.L. and Eisenhardt, K. (1998), Competing on the Edge \u2013 Strategy as Structured Chaos, Harvard Business School Press, Boston, MA.","DOI":"10.1016\/S0024-6301(98)00092-2"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b12","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Carrillo, P.M. (2004), \u201cManaging knowledge: lessons from the oil and gas sector\u201d, Construction Management and Economics, Vol. 22, pp. 631\u201042.","DOI":"10.1080\/0144619042000226289"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b10","unstructured":"Carrillo, P.M., Anumba, C.J. and Kamara, J.M. (2000), \u201cKnowledge management for construction: key IT and contextual issues\u201d, in Gudnason, G. (Ed.), Proceedings of the Inter. Conf. on Construction IT, Icelandic Building Research Institute, Reykjavik, Iceland, 28\u201030 June, pp. 155\u201065."},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b11","unstructured":"Carrillo, P.M., Robinson, H.S., Al\u2010Ghassani, A.M. and Anumba, C.J. (2002), Survey of Knowledge Management in Construction: KnowBiz Project Technical Report, Department of Civil and Building Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough."},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b13","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Carty, G. (1995), \u201cConstruction\u201d, Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, Vol. 121 No. 3, pp. 319\u201028.","DOI":"10.1061\/(ASCE)0733-9364(1995)121:3(319)"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b14","unstructured":"CIB W55\u2010W56 (2002), Construction Industry Comparative Analysis, June, Project group, Construction Industry Board, London."},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b15","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Cooke\u2010Davies, T. (2001), \u201cThe real success factors on projects\u201d, International Journal of Project Management, Vol. 20 No. 3, pp. 185\u201090.","DOI":"10.1016\/S0263-7863(01)00067-9"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b17","unstructured":"D'Aveni, R.A. (1994), Hypercompetition: Managing the Dynamics of Strategic Maneuvering, The Free Press, New York, NY."},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b16","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Dainty, A.R.J., Cheng, M. and Moore, D.R. (2003), \u201cRedefining performance for construction project managers: an empirical evaluation\u201d, Construction Management and Economics, Vol. 21 No. 2, pp. 209\u201018.","DOI":"10.1080\/0144619032000049737"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b18","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Decarolis, D.M. and Deeds, D.L. (1999), \u201cThe impact of stocks and flows of organizational knowledge on firm performance: an empirical investigation of the biotechnology industry\u201d, Strategic Management Journal, Vol. 20 No. 10, pp. 953\u201068.","DOI":"10.1002\/(SICI)1097-0266(199910)20:10<953::AID-SMJ59>3.0.CO;2-3"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b21","unstructured":"Drucker, J. and White, G. (1996), Managing People in Construction, Institute for Personnel and Development, London."},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b22","unstructured":"Drucker, P. (1992), Managing for the Future: The 1990s and Beyond, Truman Talley Books, New York, NY."},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b19","unstructured":"DTI (1998), Competitiveness White Paper: Building the Knowledge\u2010driven Economy, Department of Trade and Industry, London, available at: www.dti.gov.uk\/comp\/competitive\/."},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b20","unstructured":"DTI (2004), Construction Statistic Annual: 2004 edition, Department of Trade and Industry, London."},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b23","unstructured":"Egan, J. (1998), Rethinking Construction: Report of the Construction Task Force on the Scope for Improving the Quality and Efficiency of UK Construction, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, London."},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b24","unstructured":"Egbu, C., Kurul, E., Quintas, P., Hutchinson, V., Anumba, C. and Ruikar, K. (2003), \u201cKnowledge production, resources and capabilities in the construction industry. Work package 1 \u2013 final report, Knowledge management for sustainable construction competitiveness project\u201d, available at: www.knowledgemanagement.uk.net."},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b25","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Eisenhardt, K. (1989), \u201cMaking fast strategic decisions in high\u2010velocity environments\u201d, Academy of Management Journal, Vol. 32 No. 3, pp. 543\u201076.","DOI":"10.2307\/256434"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b26","unstructured":"Eisenhardt, K.M. and Santos, F.M. (2000), \u201cKnowledge\u2010based view\u201d, in Pettigrew, A., Thomas, H. and Whittington, R. (Eds), Handbook of Strategy and Management, Sage Publications, London."},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b27","unstructured":"Empson, L. (1999), \u201cThe challenge of managing knowledge\u201d, in Dickson, T. (Ed.), Mastering Strategy, The Financial times Mastering Series, Financial times\/Prentice\u2010Hall, Harlow."},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b28","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Empson, L. (2001), \u201cIntroduction\u201d, Human Relations., Vol. 54 No. 7, pp. 811\u201017.","DOI":"10.1177\/0018726701547001"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b29","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Gore, C. and Gore, E. (1999), \u201cKnowledge management: the way forward\u201d, Total Quality Management, Vol. 10 Nos 4\u20105, pp. 554\u201060.","DOI":"10.1080\/0954412997523"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b30","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Grant, R.M. (1996), \u201cToward a knowledge\u2010based theory of the firm\u201d, Strategic Management Journal, Vol. 17 No. 10, pp. 109\u201022.","DOI":"10.1002\/smj.4250171110"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b31","unstructured":"Green, S., Newcombe, R., Fernie, S. and Weller, S. (2004), \u201cLearning across business sector: knowledge sharing between aerospace and construction\u201d, University of Reading, Reading."},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b32","unstructured":"Grey, D. (1996), \u201cWhat is knowledge?\u201d, The knowledge management forum, available at: www.km\u2010forum.org\/what_is.htm."},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b33","unstructured":"Halpin, D. and Woodhead, R. (1998), Construction Management, 2nd ed., Wiley, New York, NY."},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b34","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Hann, S. and Diekman, J. (2002), \u201cMaking a risk\u2010based bid decision for overseas construction projects\u201d, Construction Management and Economics, Vol. 19 No. 8, pp. 765\u201076.","DOI":"10.1080\/01446190110072860"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b35","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Herrgard, T.H. (2000), \u201cDifficulties in the diffusion of tacit knowledge in organizations\u201d, Journal of Intellectual Capital, Vol. 1 No. 4, pp. 357\u201065.","DOI":"10.1108\/14691930010359252"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b36","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Holtshouse, D. (1998), \u201cKnowledge research issues\u201d, California Management Review, Vol. 40 No. 3, pp. 277\u201080.","DOI":"10.2307\/41165955"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b37","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Hussi, T. (2004), \u201cReconfiguring knowledge management: combining intellectual capital, intangible assets and knowledge creation\u201d, Journal of Knowledge Management, Vol. 8 No. 2, pp. 36\u201052.","DOI":"10.1108\/13673270410529091"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b38","unstructured":"Kamara, M.J., Anumba, J.C., Carrillo, P. and Bouchlaghem, N. (2003), \u201cConceptual framework for live capture and reuse of project knowledge\u201d, Construction Informatics Digital library, available at: http:\/\/itc.scix.net\/data\/works\/att\/w78\u20102003\u2010178.content.pdf."},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b39","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Kogut, B. (2000), \u201cThe network as knowledge: generative rules and the emergence of structure\u201d, Strategic Management Journal, Vol. 21 No. 3, pp. 405\u201025.","DOI":"10.1002\/(SICI)1097-0266(200003)21:3<405::AID-SMJ103>3.0.CO;2-5"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b40","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Kogut, B. and Zander, U. (1992), \u201cKnowledge of the firm, combinative capabilities and the replication of technology\u201d, Organization Science, Vol. 3 No. 3, pp. 383\u201097.","DOI":"10.1287\/orsc.3.3.383"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b41","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Kogut, B. and Zander, U. (1996), \u201cWhat firms do? Coordination, identity, and learning\u201d, Organization Science, Vol. 7 No. 5, pp. 502\u201023.","DOI":"10.1287\/orsc.7.5.502"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b42","unstructured":"Krogh, G. and Roos, J. (1996), Managing Knowledge: Perspectives on Cooperation and Competition, Sage Publications, London."},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b43","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Kululanga, G.K. and McCaffer, R. (2001), \u201cMeasuring knowledge management for construction organisations\u201d, Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 5 No. 6, pp. 346\u201054.","DOI":"10.1108\/eb021195"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b45","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Leonard, D. and Sensiper, S. (1998), \u201cThe role of tacit knowledge in group innovation\u201d, California Management Review, Vol. 40 No. 3, pp. 112\u201032.","DOI":"10.2307\/41165946"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b44","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Leonard\u2010Barton, D. (1992), \u201cCore capabilities and core rigidities: a paradox in managing new product development\u201d, Strategic Management Journal, Vol. 13, Summer, pp. 111\u201025.","DOI":"10.1002\/smj.4250131009"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b46","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Li, M. and Gao, F. (2003), \u201cWhy Nonaka highlights tacit knowledge: a critical review\u201d, Journal of Knowledge Management, Vol. 7 No. 4, pp. 6\u201014.","DOI":"10.1108\/13673270310492903"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b47","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Love, P.E.D. and Holt, G.D. (2000), \u201cConstruction business performance measurement: the SPM alternative\u201d, Business Process Management Journal, Vol. 6 No. 5, pp. 408\u201016.","DOI":"10.1108\/14637150010352417"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b48","unstructured":"L\u00f8wendahl, B.R. (2000), Strategic Management of Professional Service Firms, 2nd ed., Handesh\u00f8jskolens Forlag, Copenhagen."},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b49","unstructured":"Moodley, K., Preece, C. and Kyprianou, R. (2001), \u201cAn examination of knowledge management implementation within civil engineering consulting organisations\u201d, in Akintoye, A. (Ed.), Proceedings of the 17th Annual ARCOM Conference, Association of Researchers in Construction Management University of Salford, 5\u20107 September."},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b50","unstructured":"Nesan, L.J. and Holt, G.D. (1999), Empowerment in Construction Organisations: The Way Forward for Performance Improvement, Research Studies Press, Taunton."},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b51","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Nonaka, I. and Takeuchi, H. (1995), The Knowledge\u2010creating Company: How Japanese Companies Create the Dynamics of Innovation, Oxford University Press, New York, NY.","DOI":"10.1016\/0024-6301(96)81509-3"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b52","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Nonaka, I., Konno, N. and Toyama, R. (2000), \u201cEmergence of Ba\u201d, in Nonaka, I. and Nishiguchi, T. (Eds), Knowledge Emergence: Social, Technical and Evolutionary Dimensions of Knowledge Creation, Oxford University Press, Oxford.","DOI":"10.1093\/oso\/9780195130638.001.0001"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b53","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Peteraf, M.A. (1993), \u201cThe corner stones of competitive advantage: a resource\u2010based view\u201d, Strategic Management Journal, Vol. 14 No. 3, pp. 179\u201091.","DOI":"10.1002\/smj.4250140303"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b54","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Petty, R. and Guthrie, J. (2000), \u201cIntellectual capital literature review: measurement, reporting and management\u201d, The Journal of Intellectual Capital, Vol. 1 No. 2, pp. 155\u201076.","DOI":"10.1108\/14691930010348731"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b55","unstructured":"Polanyi, M. (1958), Personal Knowledge: Towards a Post\u2010critical Philosophy, Routledge & Kegan Paul Ltd, London."},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b56","unstructured":"Polanyi, M. (1966), The Tacit Dimension, Routledge & Kegan Paul Ltd, London."},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b57","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Rezgui, Y. (2001), \u201cReview of information and knowledge management practices state of the art in the construction industry\u201d, The Knowledge Engineering Review Journal, Vol. 16 No. 3, pp. 241\u201054.","DOI":"10.1017\/S026988890100008X"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b58","unstructured":"Robinson, H.S., Carrillo, M.P., Anumba, C.J. and Al\u2010Ghassani, A.M. (2001), \u201cLinking knowledge management strategy to business performance in construction organisations\u201d, in Akintoye, A. (Ed.), Proceedings of the 17th Annual ARCOM Conference, Association of Researchers in Construction Management, University of Salford, Salford."},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b59","unstructured":"Rumelt, R.P. (1994), \u201cForeword\u201d, in Hamel, G. and Heene, A. (Eds), Strategic Thinking: Competence\u2010based Competition, The Strategic Management Series, John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, pp. xv\u2010xix."},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b60","unstructured":"Scarbrough, H., Swan, J. and Preston, J. (1999), Issues in People Management: Knowledge Management: A Literature Review, Institute of Personnel and Development\/The Cromwell Press, Trowbridge."},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b61","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Spender, J.C. (1996), \u201cMaking knowledge the basis of a dynamic theory of the firm\u201d, Strategic Management Journal, Vol. 17 No. 10, pp. 45\u201062.","DOI":"10.1002\/smj.4250171106"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b62","unstructured":"Stahle, P. (1999), \u201cNew challenges for knowledge management\u201d, in Reeves, J. (Ed.), Liberating Knowledge, Caspian Publishing, London, pp. 36\u201042."},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b63","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Sveiby, K.E. (2001), \u201cA knowledge\u2010based theory of the firm to guide strategy formulation\u201d, Journal of Intellectual Capital, Vol. 2 No. 4, pp. 344\u201058.","DOI":"10.1108\/14691930110409651"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b64","unstructured":"Teece, D.J. (2000), Managing Intellectual Capital, Oxford University Press, Oxford."},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b65","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Teece, D.J., Pisano, G. and Shuen, A. (1997), \u201cDynamic capabilities and strategic management\u201d, Strategic Management Journal, Vol. 18 No. 7, pp. 509\u201033.","DOI":"10.1002\/(SICI)1097-0266(199708)18:7<509::AID-SMJ882>3.0.CO;2-Z"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b66","unstructured":"Tiwana, A. (2000), The Knowledge Management Toolkit, Prentice\u2010Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ."},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b67","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Wernerfelt, B. (1995), \u201cThe resource\u2010based view of the firm: ten years after\u201d, Strategic Management Journal, Vol. 16 No. 3, pp. 171\u20104.","DOI":"10.1002\/smj.4250160303"},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b68","unstructured":"Wetherill, M., Rezgui, Y., Lima, C. and Zarli, A. (2002), \u201cKnowledge management for the construction industry: the E\u2010CONGS project\u201d, ITcon, Vol. 7, pp. 183\u201095."},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b69","unstructured":"Winter, S.G. and Szulanski, G. (1999), \u201cReplication as strategy\u201d, working paper, presented at the 1999 Academy of Management Conference. Chicago, IL, August."},{"key":"key2022021220362054200_b70","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Zack, M. (1999), \u201cDeveloping a knowledge strategy\u201d, California Management Review, Vol. 41 No. 3, pp. 125\u201045.","DOI":"10.2307\/41166000"}],"container-title":["Journal of Knowledge Management"],"original-title":[],"language":"en","link":[{"URL":"http:\/\/www.emeraldinsight.com\/doi\/full-xml\/10.1108\/13673270710728277","content-type":"unspecified","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"text-mining"},{"URL":"https:\/\/www.emerald.com\/insight\/content\/doi\/10.1108\/13673270710728277\/full\/xml","content-type":"application\/xml","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"text-mining"},{"URL":"https:\/\/www.emerald.com\/insight\/content\/doi\/10.1108\/13673270710728277\/full\/html","content-type":"unspecified","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2025,7,25]],"date-time":"2025-07-25T00:11:14Z","timestamp":1753402274000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"http:\/\/www.emerald.com\/jkm\/article\/11\/1\/115-126\/258003"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2007,2,27]]},"references-count":70,"journal-issue":{"issue":"1","published-print":{"date-parts":[[2007,2,27]]}},"alternative-id":["10.1108\/13673270710728277"],"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1108\/13673270710728277","relation":{},"ISSN":["1367-3270"],"issn-type":[{"value":"1367-3270","type":"print"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2007,2,27]]}}}