Knowledge management and performance: a bibliometric analysis based on Scopus and WOS data (1988–2021)

Purpose This study aims to analyze the trends manifested in literature from the area of knowledge management and performance, with emphasis on bibliometric analysis. Design/methodology/approach To explore the studies focused on the area under investigation, the authors performed a search in ISI Web of Science and Scopus using the combination of keywords such as “Knowledge management” AND “Performance.” Generally, this study covered a period of 33 years, from 1988 to 2021 because the first study was published in 1970 and the databases have not covered all the journals and studies which date back to the early 1970s or 1980s. The final data set comprised 1,583 publications with 40 articles removed during the screening and eligibility process. Findings The results of the bibliometric analysis indicate that the interest in the area of knowledge management and performance has significantly increased, especially from 2000 to 2021. The application of bibliometric analysis on the relationship between knowledge management and performance uncovered various themes, productive authors and widely cited documents. The study highlighted how the knowledge management–performance relationship has evolved over the years and how the interplay between knowledge management and performance may help the firms in gaining the sustainable competitive advantage. Originality/value To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first of its kind to conduct the bibliometric analysis on knowledge management and performance. This study can be a starting point for scholars interested in understanding how knowledge management is related to performance.