Quality, Knowledge, and Innovation: A Systematic Literature Search and Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

Innovation is closely associated with quality and Knowledge Management (KM). However, there still needs to be more consensus on the nature of the relationship. Therefore, it is an opportunity to contribute further to the literature on innovation management studies. The research mapped research developments in quality management, knowledge management, and innovation management from Scopus Database in an integrative and comprehensive manner using Microsoft Excel, Mendeley, and VOSviewer to conduct a bibliometric analysis. With PRISMA Flow Diagram in carrying out a systematic search, the research managed to capture 140 research articles on related topics published between 2002 and 2022. Through a systematic search and bibliometric analysis, the research identified, described, and characterized the origins, evolution, and intellectual structures of scientific knowledge associated with quality, knowledge, and innovation in management. For the results, the research underlines a lack of systematic efforts to develop a sound theoretical framework of the subject matters. The literature still lacks evidence concerning reference models and critical factors which can contribute to effective and efficient integration of quality, knowledge, and innovation, especially in the management field. At the end of the research, a framework is proposed to broaden the perspective of quality management practices that are not limited to Total Quality Management (TQM). The research result drives future studies to determine reciprocal relationships between TQM and KM and how this affinity can impact innovation.