At the mercy of our emotions? A multi-dimensional analysis of emotions in knowledge management research

Abstract

Emotions are deeply rooted in the human mind and vital to many knowledge processes, such as knowledge creation and knowledge sharing. Nonetheless, the knowledge management (KM) discipline largely approaches KM from a rational rather than an emotional standpoint. Therefore, starting with a broad view on emotions in general as well as several discrete emotions, our paper presents a structured review of existing evidence on emotions and their role in KM research. We use a structured literature review approach to examine research on emotions as a general concept as well as several discrete emotions in KM research. We recognize and incorporate an integrative emotions-in-KM framework, dividing KM into enablers, processes, and intermediary outcomes as well as organizational performance, and connected emotions with each of these parts. After identifying 72 relevant research publications, we analyze and assign these publications to our initially developed integrative review framework. We present several research opportunities to inspire and encourage further research on emotions in KM. Our analysis reveals a strong focus on empirical approaches; we suggest future research employs further qualitative research to incorporate profound theories and models for further exploring emotions in KM. Furthermore, emotions as the intermediary outcome or during knowledge creation and knowledge use could be investigated in further research endeavors. By showing in which KM contexts and processes emotions are displayed, organizations can draw conclusions to trigger positive emotions for better KM as well as reducing barriers caused by emotions.