General vs Specific Knowledge

Introduction

What is General Knowledge?

• Possessed by a large number of individuals and can be transferred easily across individuals.

What is Specific Knowledge?

• Also known as idiosyncratic knowledge

• Possessed by a very limited number of individuals, and is expensive to transfer

Three types of specific knowledge:

1. Technology-specific knowledge

   • Deep knowledge about a specific area to address problems.

   • Acquired from formal training and is then enhanced through practical experience..

2. Context specific knowledge

   • Refers to the knowledge of particular circumstances of time and place in which work is to be performed.

   • Cannot be acquired through formal training but instead must be obtained from within the specific context.

3. Context-and-technology-specific knowledge

   • Requires both a deep understanding and context related understanding.

Characteristics

General Knowledge

• Possessed by a large number of individuals

• Can be transferred easily across individuals.

Specific Knowledge

• Possessed by a very limited number of individuals,

• Expensive to transfer

Examples

General Knowledge

1. Traffic and road rules

2. Sport rules such as cricket, baseball, golf and pool held by fans

3. Board game rules such as monopoly, chess and checkers

Specific Knowledge

1. Technology-specific knowledge,

3. • Computer Engineer's knowledge about computer hardware

2. Context specific knowledge, and

3. • Sports coaches knowledge on creating a winning strategy and guiding players during the course of the game

3. Context-and-technology-specific knowledge

3. • Knowledge of how to determine which stocks to purchase or which cryptocurrency to choose as this requires an understanding of market dynamics as well as the tools used to analyze performance of the stock or cryptocurrency.