Title: The impact of knowledge management on employee job satisfaction: a meta-analysis

Authors: Abraham Dongo; Eric E. Mang'unyi; Caspah Kamunda

Addresses: Department of Business, Unicaf University in Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi ' School of Doctoral Studies, Unicaf University, Old International Airport, 7130 Larnaca, Cyprus ' Department of Applied Educational Sciences, University of Namibia, Hifikepunye Pohamba Campus, Ongwediva, Namibia

Abstract: This meta-analysis examined the relationship between knowledge management (KM) and job satisfaction (JS) across various industries. Inadequate KM practices and dissatisfaction at work are associated with poor work quality, low productivity, operational inefficiencies and financial repercussions. The study utilised Google Scholar, ProQuest and PubMed to identify 21 peer-reviewed empirical studies published between 2020 and 2025, and a meta-analysis of them was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The combined effect size was 0.56 (95% CI: 0.54-0.58), suggesting a moderately positive relationship between KM and JS. Healthcare and accounting, IT and banking had consistent positive effects (r = 0.56). Academia (r = 0.52), governmental organisations had a slightly weaker effect (r = 0.37), and manufacturing and construction had a near-zero effect (r = 0.06). This research addresses the gap in providing customised KM solutions that are responsive to industry-specific contexts.

Keywords: knowledge; knowledge management; knowledge sharing; job satisfaction; employee wellbeing; work motivation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJKMS.2025.149505

International Journal of Knowledge Management Studies, 2025 Vol.16 No.3, pp.363 - 384

Received: 28 Mar 2025
Accepted: 12 Jun 2025
Published online: 04 Nov 2025 *

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