An Integrative Systematic Review of Knowledge Management, Organizational Performance, and Business Sustainability

This study comprehensively reviews the literature on knowledge management (KM) to explain its impact on organizational performance and business sustainability. It examines the dominant KM frameworks and theories; performance and sustainability outcomes; and key contextual enablers and constraints across sectors. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis), a systematic review was used to find and collect relevant empirical and theoretical studies through Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science. Thematic descriptive analysis of articles published between January 2020 and January 2026 revealed major themes, research trends, and conceptual gaps, which informed the key research agenda. A total of 70 studies were included after screening and eligibility assessment. The findings indicate that KM consistently enhances innovation capability and operational efficiency to boost competitive advantage and support social, economic, and environmental outcomes. These relationships are largely mediated by organizational learning and innovation, especially green innovation, and are moderated by leadership, organizational culture, and technological integration. Adoption patterns vary across industries and sectors based on differences in resources, digital maturity, and regulatory environments. Ongoing challenges include resistance to change, difficulties in managing tacit knowledge, measurement limitations, and limited longitudinal and cross-sectoral research. Overall, this systematic review highlights the need for integrated KM frameworks that align leadership, culture, and technology to strengthen performance and sustainability outcomes. It advances KM theory by clarifying the dominant models and mechanisms to offer actionable insights for managers and policymakers.