Leveraging on Tacit Knowledge-Which way for African Small and Medium Enterprises?

Using the PRISMA methodology, this study adopts a systematic review of literature on tacit knowledge management from 1995-2020. Three online databases were employed for the retrieval of eligible articles. A total of 67, out of the 318 identified articles, were found relevant to the objectives of the study, which were: to identify existing tacit knowledge management methods; to determine the tools and enabling conditions that promote tacit knowledge management; and to propose a model of tacit knowledge management methods for African SMEs. The study found face-to-face interaction, expert interview, story-telling, mentoring, apprenticeship and socialisation, as six of the most popular tacit knowledge methods. E-mails, web 2.0 and social media top the list of the tools that promote tacit knowledge management, while trust and incentives are seen to be the major enablers. The study concludes that these factors are less capital intensive, putting the management of tacit knowledge within the reach of African SMES. The study submitted a strategy that can aid SME owners to effectively practise tacit knowledge management.