Are we making progress in developing knowledge management strategies that support organizational performance?

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of the present study is to establish the emerging trend of studies on knowledge management (KM) strategy from 2007 to 2021 and identify the most studied constructs, methodologies used and gaps, thereby suggesting future directions.

Design/methodology/approach Guided by items on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, the study analyzed 46 articles published within the 15 years under review.

Findings An upward trend in KM strategy studies published from 2007 to 2021 emerged, indicating researchers' growing interest in the topic. Further, the studies reaffirmed the essence of having a KM strategy alongside other functional strategies for an organization's outstanding performance. Key KM strategy antecedents were identified: resource availability, communication, business environment, stakeholder participation, organizational culture and incentives. The need to align the KM strategy and other functional strategies with the overall business strategy was also established as critical. Finally, gaps in study methodologies and extant literature were identified, leading to suggestions for future directions.

Originality/value The study provides valuable insights regarding the emerging trend of studies on KM strategy over the 15 years, identification of methodologies used in the studies and the most studied constructs. To this effect, the study's uniqueness lies in the identified gaps and recommendations made for future research directions as it strives to bridge the identified gaps.