Social media in knowledge management: A holistic knowledge funnel based on a retrospective 10‐year study in top‐tier journals

Abstract

To date, research on stand‐alone social media (SM) in isolated knowledge management (KM) processes has been lacking. Due to the fact that a complex and multifaceted link exists between SM and KM, this gap can be filled by holistic research. This article investigated this issue by employing a systematic literature review comprising articles published over the last 10 years, in top‐tier KM journals. The results generated the following six dimensions or roles of SM in KM: (a) ideological and technological foundations, (b) effort, (c) KM process, (d) infrastructure, (e) systematization, and (f) SM application. In addition to highlighting the role of SM in KM dynamics, this research also generated a holistic knowledge funnel, which is a three‐dimensional knowledge funnel that presents integrative knowledge with organizational structure, technological infrastructure, people, and knowledge flow.