Knowledge-friendly organisational culture and performance: A meta-analysis

Abstract

Many studies have examined the relationship between knowledge-friendly organisational culture (KFOC) and organisational performance. However, the findings of these studies are varied and sometimes contradicting. To date, there has been no conclusive evidence regarding this relationship. Thus, this study investigates the relationship between KFOC and organisational performance by synthesising the findings of previous empirical studies and the impacts of certain contextual factors, such as national culture, economies, and industries, on this relationship. The KFOC is positively related to the overall performance—both financial and non-financial—of firms. The KFOC–overall organisational performance relationship is strengthened in restrained cultures, while the KFOC–financial performance relationship is strengthened in service industries. To the best knowledge of the authors, this is the first meta-analytic study concerning the relationships between KFOC and organisational performance that considers the impacts of the contextual factors of national culture, economy, and industry.