Trends and patterns of ‘Knowledge Management’ research in South Africa: an informetric analysis of tacit and explicit knowledge management: an informetric analysis of tacit and explicit knowledge management literature

Abstract

This paper examines the nature, trends and patterns of knowledge management (KM) – including Information Management (IM) – research in South Africa. Knowledge management is a relatively new concept that has seen a phenomenal growth in interest and activity from a variety of researchers. Using descriptive informetrics, this paper analyzes KM documents from the Current and Completed Research (C&CR) and the Index to South African Periodicals (ISAP) databases. The findings are presented under the following subheadings: distribution of records by year of project commencement/completion/publication; sources publishing IM/KM research; institutions behind KM research; growth of KM literature; interdisciplinary scope of KM research; and KM researchers. Conclusions and recommendations as well as the implications of KM research on LIS education are provided.