The contribution of knowledge management to human resource development: a systematic and integrative literature review

Abstract

Knowledge management (KM) and human resource management (HRM) are closely related, since they both manage knowledge-based intangible assets that create and maintain a competitive advantage. In this research, we aim to show how KM contributes to human resource development (HRD) by systematically reviewing the empirical literature of the last 20 years (2000 to 2019). The results show that six KM processes contribute to seven dimensions of HRD to different degrees. KM contributes mostly to individual and professional HRD. The two most relevant KM processes in this relation are the creation and sharing of knowledge. The findings indicate an underuse of KM in technological, organizational, and social HRDs that should alert managers. The contribution of this study regards the identification of these seven dimensions of HRD and the effects that KM processes have on them. This contribution provides theoretical guidance on the relation between KM processes and HRD dimensions that leads to managerial implications for organizations.