Considering place and problem solving in the virtual world

Abstract

This paper examines the interplay between the person and their environment throughout the problem solving process. Although there are endless opportunities to electronically access information and knowledge the concern is that, rather than strengthening, building upon and enhancing an individual’s knowledge, these systems do not support and allow for further losses of previously acquired knowledge. While there are a myriad of contributing factors that impact knowledge capture and transfer, this paper is concerned primarily with tacit knowledge and the role of the surrounding environment during the problem solving process. Of core concern is the role of the location in tacit knowledge acquisition and retrieval and whether access to prior situations in a tacit form allows for a richer access to tacit knowledge.