Methods and Practices Supporting Tacit Knowledge Mobilisation in Continuous Improvement: A Rapid Review

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this article was to identify current research directions concerning the methods and practices for mobilising tacit knowledge in continuous improvement (CI) processes. Methodology: The article is based on a systematic literature review using the rapid review format. The review was conducted using the Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus and EBSCO databases. A search strategy based on three conceptual blocks related to continuous improvement, tacit knowledge, and methods and practices for mobilising tacit knowledge was employed. A total of 67 articles meeting the criteria were identified. After deduplication and screening, 20 publications qualified for full-text assessment, and 14 papers were included in the final analysis and synthesis. Results: Research has shown that the mobilisation of tacit knowledge in CI is most often understood as a process embedded in work practice and requiring direct engagement with actual work processes. The literature abounds with methods for eliciting tacit knowledge based on observation and action learning, interviews, workshops, and reflective meetings, as well as organizational practices for knowledge transfer and tools for knowledge externalisation and codification. The analysis also highlighted examples of modern digital solutions supporting the externalisation and transfer of tacit knowledge in improvement processes, including elements of artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR). Implications and recommendations: Further research is needed to assess the relative effectiveness of methods for eliciting tacit knowledge and to explore how the AI and VR-based solutions can improve the externalisation of tacit knowledge in organizational practice. Originality/value: This article organizes the fragmented findings from the continuous improvement field related to the mobilisation of tacit knowledge, presenting a synthetic overview of the methods, practices, and boundary conditions for its mobilisation in CI from 2015 to 2025. By synthesizing diverse research perspectives, the article contributes to a better understanding of the mechanisms of tacit knowledge mobilisation, including its elicitation, transfer, externalisation, and codification, in the context of continuous improvement processes.