Knowledge Management (KM) processes play a significant role in the implementation of various Information Systems (IS). Several review studies were carried out to afford a better understanding of the current research trend of KM processes. However, this issue still needs to be examined from other perspectives. It is observed that previous research neglects the examination of KM processes studies with regard to ISs. The current study systematically reviews and sheds the light on KM processes studies related to ISs aiming to provide a comprehensive analysis of 41 research articles published in peer-reviewed journals from 2001 to 2018. The main findings of this study indicate that knowledge sharing is the most frequent KM process studied, followed by knowledge acquisition and knowledge application. Besides, questionnaire surveys were found to be the primarily relied research methods for data collection in the context of KM processes. In addition, 78% of the analyzed studies registered positive research outcomes. In terms of IS type, most of the analyzed studies focused on investigating the impact of KM processes on E-business systems, knowledge management systems, and IS outsourcing, respectively. Additionally, in terms of data collection, the majority of the analyzed studies were primarily focused on the participants who are IS executives/managers. Furthermore, most of the analyzed studies that achieved positive outcomes were carried out in China. To that end, this review study attempts to demonstrate and detail the recent increase in the interest and the advancement made in KM processes research considering ISs studies, which form an essential reference for scholars in KM field.

Introduction

Information Systems (IS) offer a wide range of opportunities for institutions to automate, produce, and share their knowledge effectively (Rahimi, Møller, & Hvam, 2016). The successful implementation of a particular IS can only be accomplished when knowledge and resources are managed sufficiently (Kwon & Zmud, 1987). Within this scenario, ISs play a key role in the development of KM (Cerchione & Esposito, 2017). It is claimed that KM processes are the fundamental processes for improving the capabilities of a particular technology, and the successful adoption and implementation of such technology increasingly depends on the efficient use of these processes (Colomo-Palacios, Fernandes, Soto-Acosta, & Larrucea, 2018; Lee, Lee, & Lin, 2007). Researchers have introduced different KM processes, each of which, contributes to the efficient use of ISs. Knowledge acquisition is defined as the institution processes that utilize the current knowledge and capture a new knowledge (Lee et al., 2007). Institutions that have the capability to acquire valuable knowledge are more likely to use and implement an information system (Migdadi, Abu Zaid, Al-Hujran, & Aloudat, 2016). It is argued that knowledge sharing is the central process of KM and the successful implementation of KM highly depends on this type of knowledge (Assegaff, Hussin, & Dahlan, 2011). Knowledge sharing is defined as the institution processes that disseminate knowledge among all individuals taking a part in the activities of a particular process (Lee et al., 2007; Migdadi et al., 2016). Kim (2012) pointed out that individuals who share knowledge frequently are more likely to use an IS. Besides, Lin and Lee (2005) indicated that the institutional willingness of knowledge sharing would facilitate the process of technology adoption. Lee et al. (2007) defined knowledge application as the institution processes that enable the institution to access the knowledge smoothly via its efficient storage and retrieval techniques. Institutions that stimulate the knowledge application are highly qualified to the successful adoption and implementation of an IS (Lin & Lee, 2005; Migdadi et al., 2016). According to the literature, KM in general and KM processes in specific play an essential role in facilitating the implementation of many ISs. The existing literature has focused on several perspectives with respect to KM processes. Various KM processes review studies were carried out. It is believed that each of which reviews provides a valuable synthesis of KM processes, yet further examination is required depending on other research perspectives.