Exploring success variables of knowledge management for enhanced organisational performance: an integrated framework

Knowledge management (KM) plays a pivotal role in the dynamic landscape of contemporary organisations. Effectively managing vital knowledge resources is a primary concern for decision makers, necessitating comprehensive consideration of pertinent variables for KM success. This study seeks to identify KM success variables (SVs) and their impact on organisational performance (OP) intervening through mediating variables (MVs). Then it aims to develop an integrated framework based on the scrutinised variables. To accomplish the intended objective, the author employs a systematic literature review (SLR) technique. From 57 chosen studies, 34 KM-SVs are identified that have impacts on OP through three kinds of MVs. These SVs are categorised into nine divisions: infrastructure-oriented, organisation-wide, management-related, practice-oriented, skills-based, resource-based, KM-centred, network-based and supporting variables. Basing upon these variables, an integrated conceptual framework is developed. The findings hold practical utility for knowledge-intensive organisations and decision makers as well as it proposes avenues for future research in this realm.

© 2025 The Operational Research Society.