 What
is the SECI model? Description
Ikujiro Nonaka and Hirotaka Takeuchi propose a model of the knowledge creating
process to understand the dynamic nature of knowledge creation, and to manage
such a process effectively: the SECI model. It consist of 3 elements:
- SECI
- Ba
- Knowledge Assets
These 3 elements interact with each other organically and dynamically.
The knowledge assets of an organization are mobilized and shared in 'Ba' whereas
the tacit knowledge held by individuals is converted and amplified by the
spiral of knowledge through:
- Socialization
- Externalization
- Combination
- Internalization
The three elements should be integrated under clear leadership so that
the organization can create knowledge continuously and dynamically: it must
become a discipline for organizational members.
SECI
The creation of knowledge is a continuous process of dynamic interactions
between tacit and explicit knowledge. The four modes of knowledge conversion
interact in the spiral of knowledge creation. The spiral becomes larger in
scale as it moves up through organizational levels, and can trigger new spirals
of knowledge creation.
Socialization. Sharing tacit knowledge through face-to-face communication
or shared experience. An example is an apprenticeship.
Externalization. Developing concepts, which embed the combined tacit
knowledge. And which enable its communication.
Combination. Combination of various elements of explicit knowledge:
building a prototype is an example.
Internalization. Closely linked to learning by doing, the explicit
knowledge becomes part of the individual's knowledge base (e.g. mental model)
and becomes an asset for the organization.
Ba
This difficult concept (there is no exact translation of the word) can
be defined as a shared context in which knowledge is shared, created and utilized
through interaction.
The diagram illustrates the various types of Ba, each offering a context
for a specific step in the knowledge-creating process.
Examples of the categories, using Seven-Eleven (Japanese convenience shops):
- Originating Ba: the shop floor, it enables people to interact
with each other and with customers.
- Dialoguing Ba: the tacit knowledge of local employees is used
to create sales forecasts, in dialogue with each other.
- Systemizing Ba: the forecasts of sales are tested against the
sales results and are fed back to the local stores.
- Exercising Ba: using this information, and comparing it to reality,
staff improve their skills and ability to make the forecasts.
 Knowledge
assets
These are company-specific resources that are indispensable to create values
for the firm. They are the inputs, outputs, and moderating factors, of the
knowledge-creating process.
To effectively manage knowledge creation and exploitation, a company has
to 'map' its inventory of knowledge assets. Cataloguing is however not enough:
knowledge assets are dynamic; new knowledge assets can be created from existing
knowledge assets.
The role of leadership is illustrated in the next diagram:
Origin of the SECI model. History
The model from Nonaka and Takeuchi is based on Polanyi's distinction between
tacit and explicit knowledge (1983) and provides an understanding of knowledge
creation and management from a Japanese business culture perspective.
Strengths of the SECI model. Benefits
- Appreciates the dynamic nature of knowledge and knowledge creation.
- Provides a framework for management of the relevant processes.
Limitations of the SECI model. Disadvantages
- It is based on a study of Japanese organizations, which heavily rely
on tacit knowledge: employees are often with a company for life.
- The linearity of the concept: can the spiral jump steps? Can it go counter-clockwise?
Book: Ikujiro Nonaka,
Hirotaka Takeuchi - The Knowledge-Creating Company -
SECI model Special Interest Group
 Visit the Special Interest Group
Recent User Comments
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Sheahan Pereira - Sri Lanka
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Capturing Experiences |
"The best model of capturing data from those who posses experience/s. Sadly overlooked by Commercial & Research entities. e.g Ayurveda, Arts etc.
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S P Parashar - Bahrain
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SECI is a knowledge management process |
"The SECI model can be easily appreciated as a KM process comprising (1) harnessing existing and creating new knowledge through the SECI process (2) implemented at forum(s) like shop floors/offices providing environment and incentive to share knowledge (3) among the concerned people. It makes lot of sense and can be easy to implement provided the leader demonstrates 'open door' and 'continuing dialogue' . It will however require huge commitment of time by the leader to 'listening'. But it is worth it!" |
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Shubhra - Germany
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Ba |
"I need a bit more on "Ba". Is this word coming from Japanese? And if, yes, is it written with which kanji for "ba"? (場?)" |
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Sobia - Pakistan
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Implementing SECI in an Organization |
"Can anyone explain how an implementation of SECI works and plz explain with an example? Thanks" |
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- Brazil
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I agree with SECI Model |
"I am not a KM specialist but I work with this model for 8 years. For me the SECI model is perfect: simple, clear and direct, the best model between so many I had the opportunity to read about.
To measure the performance, the best methodologies for me are:
- The MAKE (Most Admired Knowledge Enterprise) framework
- the eight criteria." |
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Best User Comments
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Daham - United King
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Relevant for Knowledge Management |
"I found this article very interesting for my course work" |
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Bellema U. Ihua - UK
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Recognition SECI Model |
"I believe the SECI Model developed by Nonaka and Takeuchi has come to be the most recognised and accepted model of knowledge transfer all over the world. It is precise, clear and simple to understand.... That's what a good model should be like..." |
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Larry - USA
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SECI and 12manage |
"Suddenly I realized that 12manage with its management method descriptions, disciplines, forums and e-learning communities fits nicely in the model by Nanaka and Takeuchi... Socialization... Externalization... Combination... Internalization." |
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