The mediating role of artifacts in position practice at work: Examples from a project-based context

Knowledge loss induced by organizational member turnover: a review of empirical literature, synthesis and future research directions (Part II)

Purpose

The purpose of this two-part study is to systematically review, analyze and critically synthesize the current state of empirical research on knowledge loss induced by organizational member turnover (KLT).

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on using a systematic literature review methodology reported in Part I.

Findings

Part II of this study contributes to the advancement of KLT scholarship by offering: an integrative narrative of KLT coping and preventive mechanisms as well as factors affecting them; an organizing framework of KLT empirical literature; and suggestions for future research, which are discussed with respect to the content, based on the proposed framework and by extending contextual dimensions of “who”, “where” and “when”, as well as use of theories and methods.

Research limitations/implications

This study has limitations related to inclusion/exclusion criteria used for creating the review sample and the “Antecedents–Phenomenon–Outcomes” logic used to synthesize the findings.

Originality/value

Part II of this study offers a systematic synthesis of KLT empirical research with respect to KLT coping and preventive mechanisms and a discussion of opportunities for future research.

Knowledge loss induced by organizational member turnover: a review of empirical literature, synthesis and future research directions (Part I)

Purpose

The purpose of this two-part study is to systematically review, analyze and critically synthesize the current state of empirical research on knowledge loss induced by organizational member turnover (KLT).

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was conducted based on 91 empirical studies on KLT.

Findings

Part I of the study contributes to the advancement of KLT scholarship by mapping key developments in empirical research on KLT (publication trends, methodological and theoretical foci, heterogeneity of geographical, industrial and organizational contexts); encapsulating KLT antecedents associated with both voluntary and involuntary turnover; and revealing a broad scope of KLT effects at organizational and unit level.

Research limitations/implications

This study has limitations related to inclusion/exclusion criteria used for creating the review sample and the “Antecedents–Phenomenon–Outcomes” logic used to synthesize the findings.

Originality/value

Part I of the study offers a systematic synthesis of KLT empirical research with respect to KLT antecedents, outcomes and factors affecting them.