The Management of Knowledge Risks: What do We Really Know?

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to review extant research on knowledge risk management (KRM) to establish our body of knowledge and to identify gaps justifying further research activities. The study is based on a systematic review of peer reviewed empirical and conceptual articles on the management of knowledge risks. This proceeding proves evidence that there are a small number of papers addressing knowledge risks and its management. The recommendations derived from the findings can assist researchers, managers and consultants to better understand the critical importance of integrating KRM in the firms' enterprise risk management. This increased understanding can particularly be useful for managers as better decisions will be possible.

Knowledge risk management in the public sector: insights into a Swedish municipality

“…Thus, any KM should involve risk management as well to get a balanced understanding of the knowledge that resides in the organization and based on this be in a better position to use the accessible knowledge at its best. KRM is a systematic way of applying tools and techniques to identify, analyse and respond to risks associated with the creation, application and retention of organizational knowledge (Durst et al , 2016).…”

“…Hence, KRM can be viewed as a systematic way of applying tools and techniques to identify, analyse and respond to risks associated with the creation, application and retention of organizational knowledge (Durst et al , 2016). Like KM, KRM should have a long-term orientation, and the different KM practices can be expected to support a continued risk management of an organization’s knowledge that is up-to-date and relevant.…”

“…The study of KRM or risks related to knowledge, in general, is still in its infancy (Massingham, 2010; Lee et al , 2014; Durst et al , 2016; Durst and Zieba, 2017), which is surprising against the strategic importance that is assigned to knowledge (Grant, 1996) and means a clear contrast to the study of risk management (Alhawari et al , 2012). Durst et al (2016) conducted a literature review of KRM and identified 24 papers of which the authors assigned 14 papers to the topic frameworks and methodologies. The remaining papers addressed KRM-related issues such as KRM awareness, KRM complexity, KRM identification and classification, KRM strategy, KRM protection and KRM practices.…”

“…Studying knowledge from a risk perspective is seldom done, this refers to both KM in the public sector and KM in general (Massingham, 2010; Coleman and Casselman, 2016; Durst et al ., 2016; Durst and Zieba, 2017). A recent study by Durst et al (2016), for example, has shown that our understanding of KRM is underdeveloped which is in clear contradiction to the study of KM in general.…”

“…Studying knowledge from a risk perspective is seldom done, this refers to both KM in the public sector and KM in general (Massingham, 2010; Coleman and Casselman, 2016; Durst et al ., 2016; Durst and Zieba, 2017). A recent study by Durst et al (2016), for example, has shown that our understanding of KRM is underdeveloped which is in clear contradiction to the study of KM in general. Against the peculiarities mentioned before and the critical role attributed to the public sector, this imbalance presents an unsatisfactory situation and underlines the considerable need for research on KRM in the public sector in particular.…”