An Integrated Model for the Institutionalisation of Tacit Knowledge in Safety-Critical Environments

Abstract

This study examines how knowledge management, particularly tacit knowledge, is conceptualised andinstitutionalised within safety-critical environments. Despite advances in technology and decision-support systems,organisations continue to struggle to capture and integrate experiential knowledge into formal structures. Using aqualitative, theory-informed approach, the study combines a scoping review with document analysis to explore knowledgemanagement practices across aviation, healthcare, and nuclear sectors. The findings reveal consistent patterns across theseenvironments. Tacit knowledge is critical for decision-making but remains embedded in individuals and informal practices.Knowledge transfer is largely social and experience-based, while formal systems prioritise explicit knowledge. Organisationalstructures, governance, and culture further shape how knowledge is shared and institutionalised, highlighting a systemicmisalignment between knowledge characteristics and management mechanisms. Based on these findings, the studyproposes an integrated model for the institutionalisation of tacit knowledge in safety-critical environments, linking formalsystems, tacit processes, and organisational factors. The model offers transferable insights across safety-criticalenvironments.