[[edit](/w/index.php?title=Knowledge_management&action=edit&section=13 "Edit section: Informal methods")] Informal knowledge protection methods refer to the use of informal mechanisms such as human resource management practices or secrecy to protect knowledge assets. There is notable amount of knowledge that cannot be protected by formal methods, and for which more informal protection might be the most efficient option.[[89]](#cite_note-olander2014-89) Informal knowledge protection methods can take various forms, such as: secrecy, social norms and values, complexity, lead-time and Human resource management.[[83]](#cite_note-gast2019-83)[[88]](#cite_note-estrada2016-88)[[90]](#cite_note-telg2023-90)[[89]](#cite_note-olander2014-89) Informal knowledge protection methods protect knowledge assets for example by making it difficult for outsiders to access and understand the knowledge within the boundaries of the organization.[[90]](#cite_note-telg2023-90) Informal protection methods are more effective for protecting knowledge that is complex or difficult to express, articulate, or codify.[[90]](#cite_note-telg2023-90)[[89]](#cite_note-olander2014-89)

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  "text": "[[edit](/w/index.php?title=Knowledge_management&action=edit&section=13 \"Edit section: Informal methods\")]\n\nInformal knowledge protection methods refer to the use of informal mechanisms such as human resource management practices or secrecy to protect knowledge assets. There is notable amount of knowledge that cannot be protected by formal methods, and for which more informal protection might be the most efficient option.[[89]](#cite_note-olander2014-89)\n\nInformal knowledge protection methods can take various forms, such as: secrecy, social norms and values, complexity, lead-time and Human resource management.[[83]](#cite_note-gast2019-83)[[88]](#cite_note-estrada2016-88)[[90]](#cite_note-telg2023-90)[[89]](#cite_note-olander2014-89)\n\nInformal knowledge protection methods protect knowledge assets for example by making it difficult for outsiders to access and understand the knowledge within the boundaries of the organization.[[90]](#cite_note-telg2023-90) Informal protection methods are more effective for protecting knowledge that is complex or difficult to express, articulate, or codify.[[90]](#cite_note-telg2023-90)[[89]](#cite_note-olander2014-89)",
  "access_class": "public",
  "heading": "Informal methods",
  "observed_at": "2026-07-18T21:40:59.214Z",
  "state": "active"
}