Sustainable Knowledge is the Basis of Sustainable Corporate Operation
Volume 04 Issue 1
Authors
Andrea Bencsik
Keywords
definition and condition of sustainable knowledge, theoretical model, sustainable corporate knowledge and operation, sustainable leadership, SECI model, Delphi method
Citation in APA style
Bencsik, A. (2026). Sustainable Knowledge is the Basis of Sustainable Corporate Operation. Journal of Business Sectors, 4(1), 3–18. https://doi.org/10.62222/EJOX1797
DOI
Abstract
Research background:
The relationship between sustainability and knowledge management has been examined from several perspectives. However, research has not yet addressed the sustainability of knowledge itself, which underpins knowledge management systems.
Purpose of the article:
This study aims to define the concept of sustainable knowledge and the conditions under which it can be achieved in functioning business organizations, based on a theoretical model. It also seeks to identify differences in attitudes, mindsets, and professional values between members of the international research community and corporate experts involved in the study.
Methods:
An international study was conducted to empirically validate the model, involving experts from all seven continents. Using the Delphi method, multi-level expert inputs were collected through open-ended responses and analyzed via qualitative content analysis (Atlas.ti). Consensus was subsequently assessed through quantitative analysis using SPSS 25.
Findings & Value added:
The study’s main contribution is a definition of sustainable knowledge and a set of conditions for its implementation, adding novel insights to the knowledge management literature. Differences among participating experts emerged across continents and between expert panels. Notable variation was observed in evaluations of a culture grounded in trust, cooperation, and continuous training: corporate experts rated these conditions as the most critical. Respondents from the Americas emphasized culture and leadership, whereas Asian experts rated trust as more important than did other participants. These findings provide stakeholders with knowledge needed to support shifts in sustainability-related attitudes and the associated changes in behavioral patterns.