PMI Scheduling Professional Certification (PMI-SP) Practice Exam

What type of knowledge can be challenging to articulate according to project management principles?

1. Tacit knowledge

2. Explicit knowledge

3. Technical knowledge

4. General knowledge

The correct answer is: Tacit knowledge

Tacit knowledge refers to the intuitions, insights, and experiences that individuals possess, which are often difficult to articulate or transfer to others. This type of knowledge is typically gained through personal experience and context, making it highly subjective and intertwined with an individual’s particular skills and experiences. In project management, tacit knowledge plays a crucial role because it encompasses the informal, context-specific understanding that one may not be able to fully express in words. For example, a seasoned project manager may have intuitive ways of resolving conflicts or managing stakeholder expectations that cannot easily be documented or taught in a formal setting. This contrasts with explicit knowledge, which can be readily articulated, documented, and shared, such as facts, procedures, and guidelines. Technical knowledge pertains to specific abilities or understanding of systems and processes, while general knowledge is broader and encompasses skills and understanding across various subjects. Therefore, while these other forms of knowledge can be critical to project management, tacit knowledge is particularly challenging to convey and apply without direct experience.