Purpose-This paper aims to examine the views of the global knowledge management (KM) community on the research area of KM and business performance and identify key future research themes. Design/methodology/approach-An interview study spanning 222 informants in 38 countries was launched to collect data on KM expert views concerning the future research needs of the KM field. Findings-The value contribution of KM requires more research despite experts agreeing on the complexities involved in solving this challenge. Further research areas identified were related to the influence of KM to support business strategy, intellectual capital, decision-making, knowledge sharing, organizational learning, innovation performance, productivity and competitive advantage. Research limitations/implications-The sample is dominated by European-based KM experts and the self-selecting sampling approach that was used by relying on the networks of each partner could have biased the structure of this sample. Practical implications-The recognition of the complexity to demonstrate the value contribution of KM could prevent practitioners from using oversimplified approaches and encourage them to use more advanced measurement approaches. Originality/value-The paper is unique, in that it reports on the views of 222 KM experts from 38 countries representing both academia and practice, on the issue of future research needs in terms of KM and business outcomes. As such it provides valuable guidance for future studies in the KM field and related subjects.

This study aims to provide theoretical analysis for the applicability of Nonaka's socialisation, externalisation, combination and internalisation (SECI) model in cross‐cultural contexts. Many Japanese companies are most probably quite successful and a world leader such as Sony, Toyota, Canon, Honda, Hitachi and Olympus. Therefore, proofing the validity of SECI model of creating knowledge in Japanese firms gave the model its great value. The model was produced in 1995 in Japanese context and has been widely quoted in approaches to classifying, creating, documenting, sharing and transferring knowledge from a knowledge management perspective. However, the universal applicability of this model is arguable. It was clear that not all SECI' modes are applicable in the same culture as some of them were widely spread, whereas some were not. Therefore, it is concluded that not all SECI processes reflect traditional Japanese values, but they should be adapted in order to be successfully applied in different contexts. Being aware of culture and its impact on knowledge creation and the application of SECI will enrich the insight of an organisation into their knowledge creation and the processes involved in it. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Purpose The relationship between human resource management practices (HRMP) and innovation has been described as a black box, where a lot still needs to be investigated. Thus, the aim of this paper is to investigate the nature of the link that exists between HRMP and innovation in both public and private organizations. To do so, theoretical underpinnings and existence of a mediating or a moderating mechanism is inspected. Design/methodology/approach Based on an empirical systematic review of research conducted between 2010 and 2018, content analysis has been conducted for 31 peer-reviewed articles in the English language. Findings Inspecting the nature of relations existed in the chosen articles, interesting findings are addressed relative to the nature of the human resource management systems (HRMS) used, practices encompassed and their different utility. HRMS has been shown to be associated with product innovation yet more evidence is needed for supporting process innovation. Practical implications The HRMS/HRMP and innovation relationship is inspected, important practices that would guide managers to induce innovation are highlighted. Usage of multiple HRMS and contingency in constructing such systems is indicated. Originality/value Contribution to comprehend the black box and areas for future research has been offered.