Contextual knowledge

Contextual knowledge is understanding that is specific to a particular setting and situation. A piece of knowledge does not serve the same everywhere; what works in a given institution, sector, or culture is specific to that context. By passing on this local knowledge drawn from their own experience, the mentor offers the mentee a valuable shortcut. Contextual knowledge can often be shared only by an insider. Knowing the unwritten workings of a setting remains invisible to an outside eye.