Provisioning Tacit Knowledge from a Human Resources Management Perspective: A Preliminary Causal Loop Diagram

The aim of this research is to develop a preliminary causal loop diagram (PCLD) of the tacit knowledge (TK) provisioning in a firm, from the knowledge-based human resource management (KB-HRM) perspective, which facilitates understanding phenomenon dynamics for designing strategies that ensure attraction, retention, and exploitation of TK. This research is qualitative and exploratory, conducted in two phases. In the first phase, we identified variables and KB-HRM processes involved by reviewing relevant documents from Web of Science to create a PCLD. The second phase involves designing this diagram. Findings suggest positive and negative interactions that favour and disfavour TK provisioning. Thus, organisational innovation is essential, requiring knowledge, particularly TK, and indispensable HR participation, as they possess and generate this knowledge. The diagram’s novelty is based on causality between twenty-three variables, grouped into three systems: (S1) acquisition of new TK, (S2) acquisition of existing TK, and (S3) loss of TK; and six KB-HRM-related processes. Therefore, PCLD presents the first step towards understanding TK provisioning complexity, as knowing TK inflows and outflows is crucial for firms to make better decisions and formulating strategies related to TK acquisition and retention.