Knowledge loss induced by organizational member turnover: a review of empirical literature, synthesis and future research directions (Part I)

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this two-part study is to systematically review, analyze and critically synthesize the current state of empirical research on knowledge loss induced by organizational member turnover (KLT). Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review was conducted based on 91 empirical studies on KLT. Findings Part I of the study contributes to the advancement of KLT scholarship by mapping key developments in empirical research on KLT (publication trends, methodological and theoretical foci, heterogeneity of geographical, industrial and organizational contexts); encapsulating KLT antecedents associated with both voluntary and involuntary turnover; and revealing a broad scope of KLT effects at organizational and unit level. Research limitations/implications This study has limitations related to inclusion/exclusion criteria used for creating the review sample and the “Antecedents–Phenomenon–Outcomes” logic used to synthesize the findings. Originality/value Part I of the study offers a systematic synthesis of KLT empirical research with respect to KLT antecedents, outcomes and factors affecting them.

Proceedings - 5th International Conference Business Meets Technology 2023

“…OKL is an issue of increasing importance that has been examined extensively in recent literature because of its potentially detrimental effects on organizations (Daghfous et al, 2023;Durst and Zieba, 2019;Galan, 2023;Massingham, 2018;Zieba et al, 2022). Durst and Zieba (2019) define it as a circumstance in which "an organization loses a part or all of its crucial knowledge" (p. 8).…”

“…Durst and Zieba (2019) define it as a circumstance in which "an organization loses a part or all of its crucial knowledge" (p. 8). OKL can be driven by various factors, including employee turnover, retirement, inadequate documentation, and ineffective knowledge sharing within an organization (Daghfous et al, 2023;Durst and Zieba, 2019;Galan, 2023). The implications of OKL can be severe, leading to diminished efficiency, stifled innovation, increased costs, and a loss of competitive advantage (Daghfous et al, 2023;Galan, 2023;Massingham, 2018).…”

Visualizing the Social Structure of Organizational Knowledge Loss (OKL): A Bibliometric Analysis

“…OKL is an issue of increasing importance that has been examined extensively in recent literature because of its potentially detrimental effects on organizations (Daghfous et al, 2023;Durst and Zieba, 2019;Galan, 2023;Massingham, 2018;Zieba et al, 2022). Durst and Zieba (2019) define it as a circumstance in which "an organization loses a part or all of its crucial knowledge" (p. 8).…”

“…Durst and Zieba (2019) define it as a circumstance in which "an organization loses a part or all of its crucial knowledge" (p. 8). OKL can be driven by various factors, including employee turnover, retirement, inadequate documentation, and ineffective knowledge sharing within an organization (Daghfous et al, 2023;Durst and Zieba, 2019;Galan, 2023). The implications of OKL can be severe, leading to diminished efficiency, stifled innovation, increased costs, and a loss of competitive advantage (Daghfous et al, 2023;Galan, 2023;Massingham, 2018).…”

Building knowledge absorptive capacity in South African public companies through recruitment practices

“…The loss and sourcing of the enterprise's tacit knowledge are central to this study. Several studies (Galan 2023) concur that tacit knowledge loss in organisations is largely induced by employee turnover given the fact that workers are sources of such intangible assets. The recruitment process plays a crucial role in the acquisition of the talented workers who are the bearers of such knowledge.…”