“Knowledge management is not dead. It has changed its appearance. And it will continue to change”

Abstract

This study aims to examine the place and future of the Knowledge Management (KM) discipline, in view of the claims of its decline. In doing so, we explored the meanings attributed by international KM experts regarding statements made about the death of the discipline, or at the very least, its illness. A case method was chosen. The study was conducted through fifteen semi‐structured in‐depth interviews, as part of the qualitative research paradigm. The findings provide evidence not only of the vitality of the field, but also of its significant growth and impressive evolutionary development since it was founded. The Findings section presents a snapshot of KM experts' perception of the source of the pessimistic statements about the discipline and offer significant insights into the question of where this field is going. We find that the future of KM lies in developing automated mechanisms for knowledge flow that rely on machine learning tools, artificial intelligence, and advanced cognitive capabilities. Furthermore, we ponder the possibility of a rebranding of KM, given the experts' feeling that narrow, partial, or misconceived conceptions about it are prevalent. The importance of this pioneering research is reflected in the adoption of a critical‐skeptical approach, which is almost completely absent from the KM literature. The uniqueness of this research is also reflected in the voices of KM professionals. In addition to the theoretical contribution, this study has implications on the practical level regarding the necessity of the KM profession and the necessity for further empirical research in the field.

A holistic model of the role, development, and future of knowledge management: Proposal for exploratory research

“…KM has been enriched by researchers from various fields of knowledge, such as psychology, economics, philosophy, information technology, strategic management, and organizational science (Dalkir, 2005; Nonaka & Peltokorpi, 2006; Rechberg, 2018). In light of this, it can be concluded that KM is multidisciplinary in nature (Nakash & Bouhnik, 2020a). Although the importance of KM is widely acknowledged, not many managers possess a deep understanding of proper KM (Dalkir, 2005).…”

“…According to the testimony of Nakash and Bouhnik (2020a), the views that effectively nullify the KM are heard even today by senior academics, despite the fact these are not among researchers in the field. Although rare in the theoretical and research literature, such statements cause concern among certain KM circles (O'Leary, 2016), giving rise to significant questions regarding the validity of the claim of KM decline.…”

“…Although rare in the theoretical and research literature, such statements cause concern among certain KM circles (O'Leary, 2016), giving rise to significant questions regarding the validity of the claim of KM decline. Recent authentic testimonies have sought to challenge the pessimistic statements that have cast doubt on the future of KM (Nakash & Bouhnik, 2020a). In this spirit, and in view of its important role in achieving organizational efficiency, other thinkers have stated that “KM is far from being a fad or fashion” (Alajmi & Alhaji, 2018).…”

“…Over time, various definitions of this term have been proffered (Dalkir, 2005), varying in their complexity and focus on the different aspects of the field. It seems that the definitions of theorists are often outlined under a common idea, which highlights the paramount importance of knowledge as an asset that is at the core of the organization (Nakash & Bouhnik, 2020a). This paper conceptualizes KM as an organizational function involving many practices that support the achievement of strategic organizational goals.…”

“…The challenges that originate from the diversity and ambiguity of the various schools of thought that seek to define what KM is and what its future holds still persist, to the extent that some claim that this science is still looking for its true purpose (Handzic, 2017). The maturity of the discipline as a research issue and a field of academic study is evident in the growing number of journals and scientific publications devoted to KM (Alajmi & Alhaji, 2018; Heisig, 2015; Heisig et al, 2016; Nakash & Bouhnik, 2020a; Ragab & Arisha, 2013).…”