Purpose: Structural equation modelling (SEM) has been defined as the combination of latent variables and structural relationships. The partial least squares SEM (PLS-SEM) is used to estimate complex cause-effect relationship models with latent variables as the most salient research methods across a variety of disciplines, including knowledge management (KM). Following the path initiated by different domains in business research, this paper aims to examine how PLS-SEM has been applied in KM research, also providing some new guidelines how to improve PLS-SEM report analysis.Design/methodology/approach: To ensure an objective way to analyse relevant works in the field of KM, this study conducted a systematic literature review of 63 publications in three SSCI-indexed and specific KM journals between 2015 and 2017.Findings: Our results show that over the past three years, a significant amount of KM works has empirically used PLS-SEM. The findings also suggest that in light of recent developments of PLS-SEM reporting, some common misconceptions among KM researchers occurred mainly related to the reasons for using PLS-SEM, the purposes of PLS-SEM analysis, data characteristics, model characteristics and the evaluation of the structural models.Originality/value: This study contributes to that vast KM literature by documenting the PLS-SEM-related problems and misconceptions. Therefore, it will shed light for better reports in PLS-SEM studies in the KM field.

Purpose: SMEs may be trapped in a suboptimal stable equilibrium, as many overloaded managers are cutting back on their resources and may be over‐investing in the development of exploration and exploitation processes rather than investing in mechanisms to facilitate an unlearning context. This paper proposes an unlearning context to manage an appropriate balance between exploratory processes and exploitative processes.Design/methodology/approach: This paper examines the relationship between and significance of two key factors of organisational learning (the exploration and exploitation of knowledge) within an unlearning context, and their effects on the improvement of the performance of SMEs. These relationships are examined through an empirical investigation of 229 SMEs in the Spanish metal sector.Findings: The results indicate that the effects of exploration and exploitation of knowledge on organizational performance are mediated through an unlearning context.Originality/value: The findings provide interesting insights into the drivers of organizational performance for SMEs using an unlearning context. SMEs need to provide for and support changes of perspective, of individual habits and in the framework for consolidating emergent understandings.

Purpose – This study aims to explore the impact of the availability of work life balance (WLB) practices on organisational outcomes in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) mediated by the existence of a culture that supports WLB. Design/methodology/approach – An empirical study was performed with a sample of 229 SMEs representing the metal industry sector of Southeast Spain. Findings – The findings show that a WLB supportive culture mediates the effect of the availability of WLB practices on organisational performance. Research limitations/implications – Among the limitations of this study the authors highlight the transverse nature of the research and the data collection based on self-reports. Practical implications – Companies interested in increasing organisational outcomes should introduce WLB practices. Moreover, practitioners should enhance an organisational culture positive towards employees' balance, communicating their support towards WLB initiatives. Social implications – The availability of WLB initiatives in the organisations generates not only positive outcomes for employees (e.g. reduction of inter-role conflict, higher satisfaction, etc.), but also increases the organisational results for employers. Originality/value – This research focuses on SMEs and the results have implications for practitioners and academics.