| The purpose of this study was to explore the leadership, organizational, and cognitive processes through which the Water Resources Program integrated tacit knowledge into a decision-making process surrounding the stock-watering aspect of Washington State's ground water exemption and to evaluate the purpose and impact of the integration of tacit knowledge within this process.;The conceptual framework incorporated three platforms: knowledge (explicit, tacit, and the relationship between the two), organizational utilization of knowledge (including models of knowledge integration), and organizational decision making (the framework for decision making and the role tacit knowledge plays in decision making processes). A qualitative methodology {case study) was used to describe the events chronologically and identify emergent themes. The research also provided the historical context behind the case. The findings revealed five core themes: 1) context represented and held within symbols, 2) an assumed background against which all actions are understood, 3) open awareness, 4) utilization of tacit knowledge, and 5) the efficient use of resources.;The findings of this study suggest that since public institutions are usually heavily knowledge intensive then the study of tacit knowledge within these types of organizations would be useful as an internal organizational development tool; and, that this type of study could assist public organizations in deepening the foundational understanding of their organization.;Finally, it is recommended that in order to provide an adequate picture of the tacit integration in an organization, it is important that the researcher have a strong rapport with the interview participants and deep knowledge of the program or activity within the study. |
