Mitigating Knowledge Management Internal and External Risk Factors: A Literature Review of Best Practices

Abstract Used to store, manage, and leverage information, knowledge management systems are becoming increasingly valuable assets within organizations. Organizations must manage knowledge internally (through knowledge risks) and externally (through reputational risks). We define knowledge risks as internal human, technological, and organizational factors, and reputational risks as the effects of knowledge risks and external perils to reputation, credibility, financial status, and future success. An oversight of either risk type can cause significant damage to an organization. This literature review was a means to analyze, categorize, and offer best practices for mitigating risks within a knowledge management system.