Knowledge management in tourism: The importance of tacit knowledge and the problem of its elicitation and sharing

The research and practice of knowledge management has grown rapidly in many industries with the exception of the tourism and hospitality sector although it is developing into a highly knowledge-based industry as a result of the extensive information processing. Knowledge management is an important tool for gaining competitive advantage and improving performance, and its success greatly depends on dealing with complex tacit knowledge. Tacit knowledge is difficult to represent and share, but should be elicited and managed because of its strategic importance. Another problem in knowledge management is the need of continuous education which blurs the boundaries between formal education and professional training. The problem stated in this paper is as follows: can tacit knowledge in tourism and hospitality management be captured, can it be integrated in formal education programs and how can that help the knowledge management? The problem is first analyzed by reviewing and discussing the existing research of KM in tourism, the role of tacit knowledge and the issue of management education. In addition to existing theory, a small study has been conducted among former tourism and hospitality management students to investigate the potential relationship between formal education, tacit knowledge and knowledge management.