Abstract
Purpose - The purpose of this study is two-fold: 1) to explore the intellectual core of the knowledge management (KM) academic discipline in order to test whether it exhibits signs of a reference discipline, and 2) to analyze the theoretical and practical impact of the discipline.Design/methodology/approach - The most influential articles published in the Journal of Knowledge Management were selected. A scientometric analysis of their cited and citing works was done.Findings - The KM discipline: 1) builds its knowledge primarily upon research reports published in the English language; 2) successfully disseminates its knowledge in both English and non-English publications; 3) does not exhibit a problematic self-citation behavior; 4) uses books and practitioner journals in the development of KM theory; 5) converts experiential knowledge into academic knowledge; 6) is not yet a reference discipline, but is progressing well towards becoming one; 6) exerts a somewhat limited direct impact on practice; and 7) is not a scientific fad.Practical implications - KM researchers need to become aware of and use knowledge published in non-English outlets. Given the status of KM as an applied discipline, it is critical that researchers continue utilizing non-peer reviewed sources in their scholarly work. KM researchers should promote the dissemination of KM knowledge beyond the disciplinary boundaries. The issue whether KM should strive towards becoming a reference discipline should be debated further.Originality/value - This study analyzes the KM field from the reference discipline perspective.
Purpose - The purpose of this study is two-fold: 1) to explore the intellectual core of the knowledge management (KM) academic discipline in order to test whether it exhibits signs of a reference discipline, and 2) to analyze the theoretical and practical impact of the discipline.Design/methodology/approach - The most influential articles published in the Journal of Knowledge Management were selected. A scientometric analysis of their cited and citing works was done.Findings - The KM discipline: 1) builds its knowledge primarily upon research reports published in the English language; 2) successfully disseminates its knowledge in both English and non-English publications; 3) does not exhibit a problematic self-citation behavior; 4) uses books and practitioner journals in the development of KM theory; 5) converts experiential knowledge into academic knowledge; 6) is not yet a reference discipline, but is progressing well towards becoming one; 6) exerts a somewhat limited direct impact on practice; and 7) is not a scientific fad.Practical implications - KM researchers need to become aware of and use knowledge published in non-English outlets. Given the status of KM as an applied discipline, it is critical that researchers continue utilizing non-peer reviewed sources in their scholarly work. KM researchers should promote the dissemination of KM knowledge beyond the disciplinary boundaries. The issue whether KM should strive towards becoming a reference discipline should be debated further.Originality/value - This study analyzes the KM field from the reference discipline perspective.