International Journal of Knowledge Management Studies (9 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Addressing the role of know-why in SMEs’ knowledge transfer: conceptual foundations  
  by Fatemeh Dinmohammadi, Sajjad Vojdanian, Henri Hussinki 
  Abstract: This research develops a conceptual framework for the mediating role of know-why in knowledge transfer processes within SMEs. Know-why refers to understanding the strategic principles and logic behind decision-making and is integrated into the knowledge management function. Grounded in the G-SECI model, the study highlights know-why as an intermediary mechanism bridging tacit and explicit knowledge. Through a systematic review of knowledge management theories and contextual analysis of SMEs, key pathways are identified where know-why enhances knowledge transfer, innovation, and strategic alignment. The findings suggest that combining know-why with knowledge fields strengthens organisational learning, adaptability, and sustainable competitive advantage, particularly for resource-constrained firms. While empirical validation is still needed, this theory-driven study offers testable propositions on how know-why mediation helps SMEs balance operational efficiency and strategic insight. Emphasising the interaction between knowledge fields and know-why, it contributes to advancing both theory and practice in knowledge management.
  Keywords: knowledge fields; know-why; knowledge transfer; G-SECI model; SMEs.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKMS.2026.10078274
   
  
• Tacit and explicit knowledge: a study on knowledge management among workers in the IQF shrimp processing industry  
  by Revathy K. Nair, Shibu Arkkakadavil Valsalan 
  Abstract: Human resources are essential for management to drive organisational operations effectively and efficiently. The modernisation of the seafood industry in India, especially with shrimp processing, creates a large number of jobs and generates a good amount of foreign exchange earnings. Modern and innovative processing techniques combined with value addition strategies will bring t h e industry into resonance with global market demands. It has been developed a skill matrix to assess the workers competencies at the four different levels: learner, performer, coach, and expert on various shrimp processing stages. It has helped fill the gap in training in skills. We have followed descriptive analysis and the paired T-test while using IBM SPSS 25 to compare the expected skills assessed by supervisors and perceived skills reported by workers. Our results showed large gaps of perceived versus expected skills, which may need targeted training interventions to improve workforce competency as well as operational efficiency in the shrimp processing industry.
  Keywords: skill gap; human resource; perceived skill; expected skill; employees.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKMS.2026.10079185
   
  
• Innovative pathways to project success: analysing the role of knowledge management with dual mediators and IPMA  
  by Jeffery Bakthakumar, B. Murali Manohar 
  Abstract: This study investigates the impact of systematic knowledge management (SKM) on project success, considering the dual mediating effects of ease of extraction (EOE) and organisational learning (OL), as well as the moderating role of innovativeness in the Indian healthcare industry. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, yielding 390 valid responses from healthcare professionals across India. This study employed purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Descriptive analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), while hypothesis testing was carried out through structural equation modelling (SEM) in Smart PLS. Employing importance-performance map analysis (IPMA), the research evaluates the importance and performance of key SKM practices within hospital settings. The results indicate that SKM positively influences project success. Moreover, OL positively mediates the relationship between SKM and project success, while innovativeness positively moderates this relationship. The findings provide actionable insights for healthcare organisations to implement focused strategies for enhancing project outcomes, ensuring that investments in knowledge management and innovation are aligned with organisational goals.
  Keywords: SKM; project success; EOE; organisational learning; innovativeness; Indian healthcare industry; SEM-IPMA analysis.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKMS.2026.10079705
   
  
• Assessing the impact of ethical culture and ethical intention on wisdom management: a case study of Ardebil province  
  by Shima Mousavi 
  Abstract: This study investigates the impact of ethical culture and ethical intention on wisdom management among residents of Ardebil province. Using a correlation-based methodology, data were collected through random cluster sampling. From a population of 1,248,000 individuals, 252 valid responses were obtained through standardised questionnaires on ethical culture, ethical intention, and wisdom management. Descriptive statistics were applied to analyse demographic variables, while Pearsons correlation and exploratory factor analysis assessed relationships among constructs. The findings revealed significant negative correlations between ethical culture and ethical intention (-0.577), and between ethical intention and wisdom management (-0.346). In contrast, ethical culture demonstrated a positive correlation with wisdom management (0.359). Ardebil province was chosen as the case study due to its distinct socio-cultural characteristics, offering a valuable context for exploring ethics and wisdom-management. The study highlights the importance of fostering ethical-culture to strengthen wisdom-management while underscoring the detrimental role of negative ethical-intentions.
  Keywords: wisdom management; ethical culture; ethical intention; organisational ethics; knowledge-based decision making; Iranian context; correlation analysis.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKMS.2026.10080126
   
  
• Digital technologies to offset the knowledge divide: a systematic literature review  
  by Chaimae Bouha, Lamiae Benhayoun 
  Abstract: Emerging technologies are increasingly pervasive across domains including knowledge management, where they enhance information processing and support strategies, but contribute to a persistent knowledge divide. This study conducts a systematic literature review spanning a decade (2014-2024) to examine how emerging technologies can mitigate this divide within organisational and social contexts, while addressing the challenges posed by the excessive digital-driven information overload. The findings highlight the contributions of artificial intelligence, big data analytics, social network platforms, and mobile applications for enhancing knowledge equity through adaptive learning and informed decision-making. However, literature lacks a thorough understanding of AI-driven information overload in terms of cognitive capacities and institutional readiness. This review calls for future research using longitudinal and large-scale studies to enhance theoretical and managerial understanding of how a multi-stakeholder approach integrating regulatory frameworks, adaptive interfaces, and inclusive educational policies bridges the digital divide while ensuring information remains accessible and manageable.
  Keywords: emerging technologies; digital transformation; artificial intelligence; AI; knowledge management; knowledge divide; digital divide; information overload; psychological impact; systematic literature review.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKMS.2026.10077533
   
  
• Social capital formation in Zhihu and Xiaohongshu: a comparative study of interest-oriented virtual communities  
  by Jinyan Liao, Sameer Kumar, Fumitaka Furuoka 
  Abstract: With the rise of digital platforms, virtual communities have become essential for knowledge sharing and social capital construction. This study explores social capital formation in interest-driven online platforms, focusing on Zhihu and Xiaohongshu. Using social capital theory, we examine trust mechanisms, reciprocal cooperation, and the evolution of interpersonal networks within these communities. The study finds that user interactions driven by shared interests not only build trust and belonging but also enhances knowledge dissemination and innovation. Effective incentive mechanisms and content management strategies boost participation and interaction quality, promoting social capital accumulation. The paper highlights the interplay between structural, relational, and cognitive social capital in fostering knowledge sharing and sustainable community development, providing valuable insights for optimising virtual community management. Additionally, the study identifies several emergent patterns that offer new perspectives on how micro-niche groups and weak ties contribute to social capital development.
  Keywords: virtual community; social capital; knowledge sharing; interest-driven community; incentive mechanism; social interaction.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKMS.2026.10077485
   
  
• Workplace spirituality: an in-depth analysis of existing literature and future research avenues  
  by Neema Gupta, Prashant Kumar Siddhey, Bhaskara Srinivas 
  Abstract: The workplace spirituality (WPS) has been receiving significant interest in recent decades across a range of scientific disciplines and in a number of WPS-related topics, including concepts and forms of WPS, its causes and consequences, WPS interventions, etc. The current study provides a classification and summary of recent WPS literature and highlights knowledge gaps that need to be filled by additional empirical investigation. This paper systematically reviews workplace spirituality (WPS) research to identify its proved and unproved dimensions. The review synthesises 94 empirical studies published between 1999 and 2024, categorising them into conceptual, antecedent, consequential, and intervention-based themes. Findings reveal that while the conceptualisation and consequences of WPS are well established, empirical understanding of contextual and cultural influences remains limited. The paper concludes with a refined model and directions for future research on the evolving domain of WPS.
  Keywords: work place spirituality; WPS; WPS causes; WPS consequences; WPS interventions; WPS literature.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKMS.2026.10078846
   
  
• The effect of cross-generational knowledge sharing and edge organisation capabilities on fostering innovations  
  by M.R.M.C.J.K. Rathnayake, Ananda K.L. Jayawardana, A.W.M.M. Atapattu 
  Abstract: This study investigates the impact of cross-generational knowledge sharing (CGK) on innovative behaviour (IB) within edge organisations, mediated by edge organisation capabilities (EOC). Drawing on social cognitive theory, it explores how diverse generational insights foster continuous learning and adaptation, essential for innovation. A quantitative approach with a cross-sectional survey examined edge organisational capabilities in IT-based multinational corporations (MNCs) in Sri Lanka. Data were collected from 382 employees across multiple generational cohorts. Findings indicate a significant influence of CGK on edge organisational capabilities, highlighting agility, decentralised knowledge, and shared awareness as pivotal. Moreover, these capabilities significantly enhance IB, underscoring their role in translating generational knowledge into innovative outcomes. The originality lies in conceptualising and investigating specific EOC within knowledge-intensive, innovation-driven contexts. Although edge organisations are recognised for agility and decentralised structures, the specific capabilities connecting these traits to innovation through CGK have received limited scholarly attention.
  Keywords: innovative behaviour; IB; cross-generational knowledge sharing; CGK; edge organisations; edge organisational capabilities.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKMS.2026.10078067
   
  
• Driving product life cycle: the relevance of knowledge-oriented leadership, customer knowledge management, competitor analysis and innovation quality  
  by Zhenia Tahmasebinia, Amir Mohebi, Mahmoud Dehghan Nayeri, Foozhan Tahmasebinia 
  Abstract: This study investigates how knowledge-oriented leadership (KOL), customer knowledge management (CKM), and competitor analysis (CA) influence product and process innovation quality and, in turn, early product life cycle performance in Iran's confectionery industry. Using survey data from 225 senior managers and analysing the relationships with PLS-SEM, we find that KOL strongly enhances both CKM and CA. However, only CKM directly improves innovation quality, while CA shows no significant effect. Higher innovation quality subsequently leads to stronger outcomes in the introduction and growth phases of the PLC. Mediation analysis further reveals that CKM transmits the effect of KOL to innovation quality, and innovation quality conveys CKM's impact on PLC performance, with no evidence for CA-based mediations. Theoretically, these findings integrate leadership, knowledge management, and life cycle perspectives to demonstrate that customer-centric knowledge flows are the primary pathway linking leadership to superior innovation in a risk-averse sector. Practically, managers should foster a KOL style and embed CKM systems to capture real-time customer insights, while treating competitor intelligence as a secondary input.
  Keywords: knowledge-oriented leadership; KOL; customer knowledge management; CKM; competitor analysis; innovation quality; product's life cycle.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKMS.2026.10078774