Unleashing the Power of Knowledge in Family Business: Exploring New Horizons and Untapped Potential for Research and Practice

Abstract

Drawing on an exhaustive analysis of 112 scholarly articles dedicated to the field of Knowledge Management in Family Businesses (KMFB), this study systematically examines the prevailing research frontiers, investigates the intricate dynamics of knowledge management processes, explores the multifaceted outcomes within family business contexts, and provides an array of theoretical perspectives to underpin the empirical investigations. A pivotal focal point that emerges from this comprehensive investigation is the significance of the succession process, which serves as a pivotal link between knowledge processes and the effectiveness in harnessing innovation, entrepreneurial orientation, sustainability, and internationalization outcomes. Notably, a discernible pattern surfaces from the analysis, with a substantial proportion of the KMFB literature grounded in three prominent theoretical lenses: the knowledge-based view, resource-based view, and dynamic capabilities. These theoretical frameworks provide robust foundations for explicating the underlying mechanisms and dynamics that drive knowledge management and its impact on family business performance. Furthermore, this systematic literature review uncovers a rich landscape of opportunities for future research endeavors. It illuminates potential avenues for novel research designs, innovative investigations into knowledge processes, exploration of diverse outcomes, and the application of alternative theoretical perspectives within KMFB research. These prospects hold immense promise in advancing scholarly knowledge, refining existing theories, and providing fresh insights into the intricate interplay between knowledge management and family business performance.