Understanding the implementations and limitations in knowledge management and knowledge sharing using a systematic literature review

Knowledge management activities as well as knowledge sharing practices enhance the performance of the organization by achieving its mission. Therefore, this article aims to analyze and recognize the aspects that promote and inhibit KM and knowledge sharing within organizations. This study conducts a systematic literature review and selects 57 research articles from 2000 to 2020, which includes both qualitative and quantitative studies that discuss the concept of KM and knowledge sharing. Selected 57 articles are collected from the databases like Science Direct, Emerald, Springer, Wiley Online Library, and other digital libraries. The analysis found that an individual’s characteristics, personal attitude, the organization’s culture, trust, and so on are factors that promote KM and knowledge sharing within organizations. The study found that several factors hinder knowledge management as well as knowledge sharing within the organization that includes quality of communication; unable to understand the level of knowledge employee has; lack of trust; behavior change; lack of time; unstructured organizational design; employee attitude; heavy workloads, limited resources, diverse work agendas, technological change, old age. The findings of the current research suggests knowledge sharing as well as exchange, knowledge dissemination and utilization, and knowledge acquisition are some of the best practices that can be implemented within organizations to improve knowledge management. This study helps educationists, research practitioners, academicians, and industry-related authorities to recognize the factors or antecedents that hinder the process of knowledge management across cultures, countries, and industries.