Citation Analysis and Trends in Knowledge Management

This study presents a new citation analysis methodology that combines elements of classic methodologies dating back to very early “by-hand” citation analyses with modern technological tools that allow researchers to quickly organize and retrieve citation data and articles. The researchers examined nearly 13,000 citations from knowledge management articles published in the top MIS journals in order to establish both quality contributions to the field as well as to gain insight into where the field is heading. A steep decline in the number of articles cited after 2001 leads researchers to question why recent publications are not being cited more often. The researches suggest that this decline might be due to a decrease in relevant research or changing dynamics in the field. The 25-most cited works in KM are presented along with a timeline of citations in the field.