Relationship between IT Self-Efficacy and Personal Knowledge and Information Management for Sustainable Lifelong Learning and Organizational Performance: A Systematic Review from 2000 to 2022

Abstract

This study aims to identify the relationship between IT self-efficacy and personal knowledge and information management (PKIM) practices. It also intends to investigate trending tools and approaches being applied for PKIM for sustainable lifelong learning and organizational performance. It also reveals challenges for the development of an effective PKIM system. To meet the study’s objectives, a systematic literature review was carried out. Fifty research papers published in peer-reviewed journals were included to conduct a comprehensive systematic review. The findings of the study revealed that a significant positive relationship exists between IT self-efficacy and personal knowledge and information management for sustainable lifelong learning and innovative organizational performance. Social media tools, the adoption of emerging technologies, and artificial intelligence were trending techniques for the successful implementation of PKIM practices in academia and the field. This research has significant theoretical, practical, social, academic, and managerial implications.

1. Introduction

In the current age of information, personal knowledge and information management (PKIM) is very significant to acquire potential benefits. Lack of effective PKIM expertise may cause failures in attaining sustainable goals. During the learning process, researchers manage knowledge and information to make decisions effectively and efficiently. Effective decision making is not easy without efficient PKIM [1]. For sustainable personal and professional benefits, PKIM should be managed efficiently [2].

PKIM practices are very important for deciding, searching, finding, collecting, organizing, managing, using, and disseminating knowledge and information [3,4]. PKIM activities are highly necessary for researchers and job professionals. The researchers and workers may manage their files, messages, emails, and other types of documents for sustaining lifelong learning and organizational performance. Without adequate PKIM, successes may not be attained in personal and professional lives [5].

In the current age of ever-evolving technologies, traditional methods are not usually applied to manage PKIM. Web logging is used to manage personal knowledge effectively [6,7,8,9]. Social media applications have fostered innovation in organizing and sharing personal information and knowledge, as people are now expert in using Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook [10,11]. Semantic-based tools and adequate organizational infrastructure prove useful in the successful management of personal knowledge and information for sustainable organizational efficiency. However, lack of skills in using the emerging technological tools create problems in successfully managing PKIM [12,13,14,15,16].

Past investigations show that there is a positive relationship between IT self-efficacy and personal knowledge and information management for sustainable lifelong learning and organizational performance. Computer self-efficacy is positively associated with PKIM, as computer-literate users may effectively manage and organize information resources. Students and work professionals with no adequate expertise in computers remain unable to organize personal knowledge efficiently [17,18,19,20]. Digital skills have a strong positive influence on PKIM [21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31]. Implementation of emerging technologies is required for efficiently managing PKIM [32,33,34]. Lifelong learning skills need to be developed among workers through training programmes for sustainable learning and organizational performance [35,36,37].

There are some challenges to manage PKIM effectively. Due to information overload, relevant information may not be found easily [38,39]. Negative attitude is a prominent problem to manage personal information and knowledge activities [40]. Shortage of modern facilities and lack of time negatively affect personal information management tasks [41]. The lack of training opportunities is also a critical problem to successfully organize PKIM practices [42]. Limited access to required information resources causes barriers for managing, organizing, and sharing information-based practices [43]. Strict organizational structure, and computer illiteracy are also serious challenges to manage knowledge and information [44].

1.1. Statement of Problem with Rationale and Significance

Personal knowledge and information management practices are very important for sustainable lifelong learning and efficient job output. In the current era of artificial intelligence, management of personal information and knowledge is indispensable. The current study provides significant contributions for policy-makers, higher education bodies, government representatives, institutional heads, and other stakeholders to develop effective and efficient policies for PKIM practices for sustainable lifelong learning and organizational performance. This article provides practical solutions to manage personal knowledge and information for attaining competitive advantages.

This study recommends strategies to develop an efficient system for PKIM. Recommendations based upon the findings of the study will assist system developers to devise useful features in the system according to users’ demands and expectations. This research opens new horizons for future researchers to further explore different dimensions of PKIM through different research methodologies, theories, and models.

The article identifies the relationship between IT self-efficacy and personal knowledge and information management for sustainable lifelong learning and organizational performance. The study adds valuable literature to the existing body of knowledge by investigating the association between IT self-efficacy and PKIM through a comprehensive systematic review. It also reveals trending tools that are used for PKIM practices and provides measures to address challenges being faced in the development of an effective PKIM system.

The study was conducted by applying “preferred reporting items for the systematic review and meta-analysis” (PRISMA) guidelines. Systematic review is based upon four stages called “planning”, “selection”, “extraction”, and “data synthesis. All these stages have been elaborated with sub-stages in the section on materials and methods. Fifty research papers published in peer-reviewed journals were included to conduct a comprehensive systematic review.

The study offers results with sufficient interpretations and graphical illustrations related to an overview of the selected studies, history and timeline, research methodologies of the previous studies, the relationship between IT efficacy and personal knowledge and information management practices, trending approaches for PKIM for sustainable lifelong learning and organizational performance, and challenges for the development of an effective PKIM system.

The study practically guides the policy-makers to develop practicable policies for effective personal knowledge and information management-based practices. The findings and recommendations of the study are useful for academicians to improve personal knowledge and information management-based practices. It also offers guidelines to the creators of knowledge and information-based systems to organize information resources systematically.

The paper is organized into different main sections along sub-sections. Main sections of the study are consisted of introduction, literature gaps, materials and methods, results, discussion, and conclusion. All these sections have been explained separately.

1.2. Objectives

The study’s objectives are as follows:

• To identify the relationship between IT self-efficacy and personal knowledge and information management practices.
• To investigate trending tools and approaches being applied for personal knowledge and information management for sustainable lifelong learning and organizational performance.
• To reveal challenges for the development of an effective personal knowledge and information management system.

2. Literature Gaps

Several studies were conducted in the past to explore personal knowledge and information management practices. These studies were carried out to identify different dimensions of personal knowledge management and information management in academic and business settings. Most of the studies were investigated through quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches. Some studies were also conducted through systematic review methodology on personal information management practices. Saleem et al. [3] conducted a study on PKIM practices of life sciences research students in Pakistan using a survey method. Swigon [10] carried out a study on personal knowledge and information management–conception and exemplification using an exploratory approach. Ali and Warraich conducted a systematic literature review on the relationship between mobile self-efficacy and mobile-based personal information management practices [22]. However, not a single study has been conducted to investigate the relationship between IT self-efficacy and personal knowledge and information management for sustainable lifelong learning and organizational performance through a systematic review. Existing literature revealed that no systematic review had been conducted in past on the relationship between IT self-efficacy and personal knowledge and information management. Past studies did not investigate trending tools and approaches being used for PKIM for sustainable lifelong learning and organizational performance. Past investigations also did not provide key practical solutions for efficient PKIM practices through a systematic literature review. These research gaps need to be addressed. Hence, the current study was conducted through systematic review methodology to address these pertinent gaps and to produce a significant contribution in existing body of knowledge.

3. Materials and Methods

The research team applied the “preferred reporting items for the systematic review and meta-analysis” (PRISMA) guidelines to conduct the study. “PRISMA is an evidence-based minimum set of items for reporting in systematic review and meta-analysis. It is used for reporting of review, evaluating randomized trials, but it can also be used as a basis for reporting systematic review” [45]. As Liberati et al. [46] mentioned:

“Provided key characteristics of a systematic review are: (a) a clearly stated set of objectives with an explicit, reproducible methodology; (b) a systematic search that attempts to identify all studies that would meet the eligibility criteria; (c) an assessment of the validity of the findings of the included studies, for example through the assessment of the risk of bias; and (d) systematic presentation, and synthesis, of the characteristics and findings of the included studies” (p. 1). Systematic review methodology has been advocated by several other authors, including Mahmood [47], Ali and Warraich [48], and Shahzad and Khan [49].

Systematic review is based upon four phases with many sub-stages [45]. The first phase is called “planning” that consists of research objectives and search strategy. The second part is known as “selection” which is applied for sorting the data. The third stage is “extraction” which is used for evaluating the data. The fourth part is “data synthesis” which is used for analyzing the data. These stages are elaborated as below:

3.1. Stage 1: Planning

3.1.1. Research Objectives

Research objectives cover specific dimensions related to the topic. The objectives of this study include identification of the relationship between IT efficacy and PKIM practices, trending tools and approaches being utilized for PKIM for sustainable lifelong learning and organizational performance, and challenges for the development of an effective PKIM system.

3.1.2. Search Strategy

The process of searching required literature has been described as follows:

a.

Search terms

The following strategies were used to find and explore the maximum relevant documents for conducting a comprehensive systematic literature review (SLR):

• Employment of variables from the title of the paper as a major strategy to search for required literature
• Selection of keywords from the study’s objectives
• Usage of the key terms applied by other researchers in their articles
• Use of Boolean operators “OR”, “AND”, “NOT” for finding specific results

The following search terms were applied in 13 digital databases and tools to retrieve maximum relevant literature:

(“IT self-efficacy” OR “Personal knowledge management” OR “Personal information management”) OR (“Sustainable lifelong learning” OR “Organizational efficiency”) AND (“Personal information management” AND “Workers’ performance”) OR (“Factors influencing personal knowledge and information management”) OR “Challenges for effective personal information management”) OR (“Relation of knowledge management with job output”) OR (“Information management practices in academia and industry”) OR (“Best practices for personal knowledge and information management”) OR (“Trending practices to manage personal knowledge and information management”) OR (“Knowledge management systems” OR “Personal knowledge management in interconnected world”)

b.

Use of literature resources and existing research

Thirteen digital databases were used to conduct a comprehensive search. Summon, LISA, LISTA, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCO Host, Google Scholar, Pro Quest, Emerald, Wiley Inter Science, Taylor & Francis, and Wiley Inter-Science Databases were explored. Research papers covering relevant keywords of the study were explored. Different filters were applied for limiting the results. Fifty research papers published in peer-reviewed journals of the world’s leading databases were included to conduct the systematic literature review (SLR). Relevant articles published from 2000 to 2022 were included in the study.

3.2. Stage 2: Selection

Search Process

A comprehensive search was carried out to find relevant literature. Figure 1 graphically illustrates various steps that were applied during the search process.

Step 1: The authors explored 13 digital databases to retrieve the results.

Step 2: The research team used scrutiny to avoid duplications in the retrieved documents. During the scrutiny process, irrelevant results were removed. The authors carefully observed the titles of the retrieved articles to check relevancy. Papers published before 2000 were withdrawn from the list. In total, 3683 documents were searched from 13 different digital databases. A total of 226 papers were shortlisted after the removal of duplications and irrelevant documents. Through the screening process, 684 articles were selected for further processing. Shortlisted articles were matched with the study’s objectives to ensure quality. Finally, 36 research papers published in peer-reviewed journals were selected.

Table 1. Inclusion and exclusion criteria.

	Inclusion Criteria	Exclusion Criteria
A	Research papers published in the English language	Papers published in other languages
B	Articles addressing the study’s objectives	Articles not covering the study’s objectives
C	Papers published from 2000 to 2022	Papers published before 2000
D	Articles matching with the study’s variables	Articles not meeting with the study’s variables
E	Only research papers published in peer-reviewed journals of the world’s leading databases	Conference proceedings, books, newspaper articles, dissertations, magazines, institutional reports, etc.

(Authors’ own table).

shows the criteria of inclusion and exclusion criteria:

3.3. Stage 3: Extraction

The most relevant seminal papers covering the objectives of the current study were selected. All irrelevant documents not addressing the study’s key variables were excluded. The research team included 50 core articles out of 3683 retrieved documents to conduct a comprehensive systematic literature review on the relationship between IT self-efficacy and personal knowledge and information management for sustainable lifelong learning and organizational performance.

3.4. Stage 4: Execution

The last stage of the study was to consider the validity of the retrieved documents. Papers published before 2000 were not included in the study. Papers having the most relevant content aligned with the pre-determined study’s objectives were checked carefully. Irrelevant papers were withdrawn from the list. Guest editorial, and non-peer-reviewed articles were also not included. Fifty articles published in Scopus and Web of Science indexed journals were included to conduct the systematic literature review.

4. Results

The descriptive analysis of the results is as follows:

4.1. An overview of the Selected Studies

Research papers covering relevant keywords of the study were explored. Different filters were applied for limiting the results from databases. A total of 3683 documents were searched from 13 different digital databases. There were 658 documents retrieved from Summon Database, 326 from LISA, 228 from LISTA, 129 from Scopus, 128 from Web of Science, 229 from EBSCO Host, 649 from Google Scholar, 231 from Pro Quest, 347 from Emerald, 179 from Wiley Inter Science, 228 from Taylor & Francis, 125 from Springer Link, and 226 from Wiley Inter-Science Database. These documents were accessed from July 2022 to September 2022. Fifty peer-reviewed articles published in these databases were selected to conduct the systematic literature review.

4.2. Geographical Distribution of the Studies

Figure 2 illustrates the geographical locations of the articles that were selected to conduct the systematic literature review. Results illustrated that selected studies (n = 50) were investigated in 20 different parts of the world. It was found that 13 studies were conducted in the USA, 7 in Taiwan, 5 in both China and Pakistan, 3 in the United Kingdom, and 2 each in Nigeria and Germany, whereas Iran, Poland, Slovenia, Denmark, Estonia, Portugal, South Africa, Amman, India, Abu Dhabi, Australia, Bahrain, and Israel produced one study each.

It is pertinent to mention that most of the selected manuscripts (n = 9) were published in the Journal of Knowledge Management, and Online Information Review (n= 5) while all other studies (n = 50) were published in 32 other different journals (

Table A1. Data extracted from 50 studies (authors’ own table).

S.N.	Author	Year	Country	Journal	Relationship between IT Efficacy and PKIM	Trending Approaches of PKIM for Sustainable Lifelong Learning and Organizational Performance	Challenges for Developing an Effective PKIM System
1.	Hwang, et al. [5]	2015	USA	European Journal of Information Systems	IT self-efficacy is positively correlated with personal knowledge and information management.		Changes in the business environment Uncertainty in decision-making
2.	Zi, et al. [11]	2020	Taiwan	Information Processing and Management		Social media platforms
3.	Shao, et al. [27]	2015	China	Industrial Management & Data Systems	Computer self-efficacy is closely connected with PKIM.
4.	Chien [28]	2012	USA	European Journal of Training and Development	Learners’ computer self-efficacy has a positive effect on the effectiveness of PKIM for learning and job efficiency.
5.	Shah and Mahmood [31]	2013	Pakistan	Library Management			Concepts clarity problem Lack of awareness about the potential benefits of knowledge management
6.	Akbari and Ghaffari [32]	2017	Iran	Journal of Knowledge Management			Lack of required skill-set Shortage of skilled human resources
7.	Agnihotri and Troutt [26]	2008	USA	Online Information Review	Skills tools have a strong relation with personal knowledge and information management practices.		Unavailability of personal knowledge and information management trends in academia and industry
8.	Lai [35]	2008	Taiwan	Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology	IT self-efficacy leads towards effective personal information management and innovative work output.		Unavailability of advanced technologies to implement knowledge management systems
9.	Saleem, et al. [3]	2021	Pakistan	Malaysian Journal of Library & Information Science		Information literacy skills
10.	Swigon [4]	2013	Poland	Journal of Information Science		Adoption of advanced technologies Human-centric systems
11.	Pucihar, et al. [39]	2016	Slovenia	Aslib Journal of Information Management			Unavailability of knowledge and information management tools Traditional approaches
12.	Liu, et al. [30]	2017	Taiwan	Journal of Knowledge Management	Computer usage efficiency leads towards efficient personal knowledge and information management.	Big data	Vast amount of scattered information
13.	Razmerita, et al. [12]	2009	Denmark	Online Information Review	Web self-efficacy and tools have a strong impact upon personal knowledge management.	Social networking tools Mutual collaborations Artificial intelligence-based systems Automatic systems Semantic enhanced user support tools	Privacy concerns Fragmentation of different systems and their lack of interoperability constitute important roadblocks towards an optimal usage of these tools for PKM. Diffusion of knowledge Lack of information management expertise
14.	Jarrahi, et al. [15]	2020	USA	Information and Learning Sciences	Digital self-efficacy has a significant positive relation with personal knowledge and information management and increased learning and work productivity.	Informal social networks Social media tools Collaborative efforts
15.	Jafari, et al. [29]	2013	Iran	Education, Business and Society: Contemporary Middle Eastern Issues	There is a significant and positive relationship between computer efficacy and personal knowledge and information management for continuous innovation.	Provision of necessary facilities Usage of modern technologies Congenial work environment Team spirit Training opportunities
16.	Vark and Reino [16]	2020	Estonia	Journal of Documentation	IT efficacy and personal knowledge and information management are interconnected and productive for supporting learning and work output.	Usage of the latest technologies	Traditional approaches
17.	Carneiro [25]	2000	Portugal	Journal of Knowledge Management		Training courses Positive attitude of the employers Investment in knowledge development Motivation to workers Transformative leadership Usage of emerging technologies
18.	Zhang, et al. [34]	2008	USA	Online Information Review		Use of advanced technologies Context analysis and XML-based Usage of weblogs Implementation of information technologies Portal and e-learning tools
19.	Chatti [17]	2012	Germany	Journal of Knowledge Management		Personal networks Knowledge ecologies Collaborative efforts	Failure to cope with the fast-paced change and critical challenges of the new knowledge era Static content Traditional existing models
20.	Jefferson [38]	2006	USA	VINE: The Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems		Artificial intelligence powered tools Mobile devices E-mails Websites Instant messages Digital libraries Implementation of blended technologies	Information overload Work load
21.	Shujahat, et al. [37]	2021	China	Journal of Knowledge Management		Lifelong skills Idiosyncratic practices Job autonomy Amicable work atmosphere Application of emerging technologies Social and network support
22.	Masood, et al. [53]	2022	China	Journal of Knowledge Management	There is a positive association between social media efficacy and personal knowledge and information management practices.	Workplace communication Usage of digital media tools Capacity strengthening workshops Positive team spirit Personal blogging with colleagues
23.	Chou, et al. [18]	2018	China	Internet Research	Virtual media efficacy supports the organization and management of personal knowledge and information.	Amicable work environment Collective projects E-commerce adoption practices	Lack of new media literacy skills
24.	Volkel and Haller [55]	2008	Germany	Online Information Review		File systems Usage of semantic technologies Specialized software of documents management I-Mapping Qui Key Interoperability Linked in tools
25.	Fourie [19]	2011	South Africa	Library Hi Tech		Information literacy expertise Collaborative efforts Customized software Reference management software New media tools
26.	Dong, et al. [20]	2015	Taiwan	Information Technology & People	Digital efficacy is related with efficient knowledge management.	Customized integrated systems Content oriented databases Artificial intelligence systems Expert systems Virtual communities Automatic data classification tools	Heterogeneity of data Personal biases
27.	Hicks, et al. [21]	2006	USA	Journal of Knowledge Management		Context-based technologies Intelligent systems Decision support systems Data warehouses Computer-assisted systems Neural networks Data mining Executive information systems	Restricted access to required information sources
28.	Bhatt [50]	2001	USA	Journal of Knowledge Management	IT skills interact positively with personal knowledge and information management activities.	Employee training and motivation Efficient usage of information technologies Integrated systems Technical artifacts
29.	Skoka and Kalmanovitchb [56]	2005	UK	Information & Management		Usage of intranet technologies Emails Organizational cooperation Personal and departmental web pages	Human issues IT issues
30.	Hsu, et al. [52]	2007	Taiwan	International Journal of Human Computer Studies	Technology efficacy is positively associated with life-long learning and job efficiency through productive knowledge and information management.	Virtual communities Collaborative team efforts Training opportunities Web based systems Online groups E-learning forums
31.	Masadeh, et al. [13]	2016	Amman	Journal of Enterprise Information Management	Knowledge management through IT efficacy has relationship with performance in higher education.	Web-based tools Mutual collaboration Motivational talks
32.	Jiafu, et al. [36]	2018	China	Knowledge Management Research & Practice		Interconnected networks Mutual collaborations	Subjective data Negligent attitude of learners and workers
33.	Bharadwaj, et al. [14]	2015	India	The Journal for Decision Makers	Technology expertise is linked with knowledge management practices.	Investment on human capital Knowledge-oriented technologies Function-oriented technologies Specialty-oriented technologies Social networking technologies
34.	Mavodza and Ngulube [2]	2012	Abu Dhabi	SA Journal of Information Management			Lack of required machinery Financial constraints Flood of online misinformation Traditional setup Conventional approaches Lack of required resources Lack of trust Scattered information
35.	Yu [6]	2010	Taiwan	Computers in Human Behavior		Weblogging Online communities CPD Blended learning Social media tools
36.	Cabrera, et al. [51]	2006	USA	The International Journal of Human Resource Management	IT efficacy is a pertinent determinant of personal knowledge and information management for sustainable lifelong learning and job efficiency.	Knowledge management systems Support from colleagues and supervisors Job autonomy Psychological ownership Communication channels

placed in the Appendix A).

4.3. History and Timeline

Of the 50 examined studies related to PKIM, only three were published between 2000 to 2005. From 2006 to 2010, 11 articles were published. Between 2011 to 2015, 14 papers were published, while from 2016 to 2022, 23 articles were published. It shows that more articles are being produced on PKIM in the recent years. Figure 3 shows the rising trend of studies related to PKIM.

4.4. Research Methods Used in the Previous Studies

Figure 4 reveals the research methods that were used in the selected articles (n = 50). Results reflected that most of the work in the area of PKIM had applied the survey research method (n = 23). The second top-used research method was concept-based models (n = 6), whereas literature-based and interviews-based studies occupied the third slot with five studies each. In 50 studies, the results showed that 11 different research methods had been used by the researchers.

Results based on the study’s objectives are interpreted as follows:

4.5. Relationship between IT Efficacy and PKIM Practices

Of the 50 selected studies, a significant positive relationship between IT efficacy and PKIM practices was identified in 18 papers. Bhatt [50] stated that IT skills interacted positively with PKIM activities. Cabrera et al. [51] found in their study that IT efficacy was an important determinant of PKIM for sustainable lifelong learning and job efficiency. Hsu et al. [52] discussed that technology efficacy was positively associated with lifelong learning and job efficiency. Agnihotri and Troutt [26] revealed that ICT skills have a strong relation to PKIM practices. Lai [35] concluded that IT self-efficacy led to effective personal information management and innovative work output.

Razmerita et al. [12] concluded that web self-efficacy had a strong impact on personal knowledge management. Chien [28] indicated that learners’ computer self-efficacy had a positive effect on the effectiveness of PKIM for learning and job efficiency. Jafari et al. [29] inferred that there is a significant and positive relationship between computer efficacy and PKIM for continuous innovation. Bharadwaj et al. [14] noted that technology expertise was linked with knowledge management practices. Dong et al. [20] discovered that digital efficacy was associated with efficient knowledge management.

Hwang et al. [5] claimed that IT self-efficacy was positively correlated with PKIM. Shao et al. [27] displayed that computer self-efficacy was closely connected with PKIM. Masadeh et al. [13] illustrated that knowledge management through IT efficacy had a relationship with performance in higher education. Liu et al. [30] stated that computer usage efficiency led to successful PKIM. Chou et al. [18] mentioned that the virtual media efficacy supported the organization and management of personal knowledge and information.

Jarrahi et al. [15] concluded that digital self-efficacy had a significant positive relation with PKIM and increased learning and work productivity. Vark and Reino [16] identified that IT efficacy and PKIM were interconnected and proved fruitful for supporting learning and work output. Masood et al. [53] proved that there was a positive association between social media efficacy and PKIM practices. Figure 5 reveals the relationship between IT self-efficacy and PKIM for sustainable lifelong learning and organizational performance.

4.6. Trending Approaches for PKIM for Sustainable Lifelong Learning and Organizational Performance

Extracted data (Table A1 given in the Appendix A) identified five major approaches that are used for PKIM for sustainable lifelong learning and organizational performance. These approaches were social media tools, psychological ownership, adoption of emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, and collaborative efforts. These techniques are sub-grouped into various components. These are interpreted as follows:

4.6.1. Social Media Tools

Social media platforms were trending means for PKIM for sustainable lifelong learning and efficient organizational performance [11]. Social networking tools were beneficial in managing personal knowledge and information [12]. Informal social networks, social media tools, usage of weblogs, personal networks, usage of digital media tools, and personal blogging with colleagues proved useful in personal knowledge and information-based practices [15,17,34,53]. New media tools, virtual communities, online groups, interconnected networks, social networking technologies, weblogging, online communities, and communication channels were productive sources for PKIM activities [6,13,14,19,20,36,51,52].

4.6.2. Psychological Ownership

Information literacy skills, provision of necessary facilities, comfortable work environment, and training opportunities motivated manpower to effectively manage personal knowledge and information for sustainable lifelong learning and efficient job output [3,29]. Training courses, positive attitude of the employers, investment in knowledge development, motivation of workers, and transformative leadership were significant drivers to motivate manpower towards PKIM [25]. Lifelong skills, job autonomy, amicable work atmosphere, social and network support, and capacity-building workshops positively contributed towards PKIM practices [18,37,53]. Information literacy expertise, employee training and motivation, inspirational talks, investment in workers, CPD, job autonomy, and psychological ownership were vital trends to inspire people to manage personal knowledge and personal information for personal and sustainable professional development [50].

4.6.3. Adoption of Emerging Technologies

The adoption of advanced technologies, human-centric systems, big data, the Internet of Things, and the usage of modern technologies were useful in the successful management of personal knowledge and information [29,30,54]. Usage of the latest technologies, utilization of cutting-edge tools, and e-learning tools assisted in innovative personal knowledge management [16,25,34]. Mobile devices, websites, instant messages, digital libraries, and implementation of blended technologies enabled the successful management of knowledge and information-based practices [37,38]. E-commerce, semantic technologies, specialized software for document management, and iMapping were used for personal information tasks [18,55]. Customized software, reference management software, customized integrated systems, and content-oriented databases were trending techniques for personal information management [19,20]. Efficient usage of information technologies, integrated systems, technical artifacts [50], data warehouses, computer-assisted systems, data mining, and executive information systems were frequently used to manage personal knowledge-based tasks [21]. Usage of intranet technologies, personal and departmental web pages, web-based systems, and e-learning forums were preferred sources for personal information management [52,56]. Knowledge-oriented technologies, function-oriented technologies, and blended learning were rising trends in the present age for PKIM [6,14].

4.6.4. Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence-based systems, automatic systems, and semantic-enhanced user support tools were used in the current age to manage personal knowledge and information [12,38]. Knowledge ecologies, idiosyncratic practices, interoperability, LinkedIn Tools, artificial intelligence systems, expert systems, and automatic data classification tools were trending techniques for managing personal information [20,37,55]. Context-based technologies, intelligent systems, decision support systems, and neural networks were frequently applied to manage personal knowledge and information [21].

4.6.5. Collaborative Efforts

Mutual collaborations, collaborative efforts, team spirit, workplace communication, and collective projects were useful trends to manage personal knowledge and information [12,15,17,18,29,53]. Organizational cooperation, collaborative team efforts, and support from colleagues and supervisors led towards efficient PKIM practices for sustainable innovative learning and job outcome. Collaborative projects influenced mutual efforts positively that proved useful in the successful initiation of digital ecosystems [13,19,36,51,52,56].

Figure 6 reveals trending approaches of PKIM for sustainable lifelong learning and organizational performance.

4.7. Challenges for Developing an Effective PKIM System

Synthesized results revealed that human issues, financial issues, and technical issues were the key challenges for developing an effective PKIM system. These challenges are detailed as follows:

4.7.1. Human Issues

Traditional approaches, failure to cope with the fast-paced change, and uncertainty in decision-making by individuals cause serious challenges for sound knowledge and information management [5,16,17]. Workload, personal biases, human issues, negligent attitudes of learners and workers, traditional setups, and a lack of trust are obstacles for managing personal knowledge and information [2,20,38,56].

4.7.2. Financial Issues

The unavailability of advanced technologies to implement knowledge management systems, and the shortage of knowledge and information management tools are pertinent challenges for well-structured personal information [35,39]. Unavailability of personal knowledge and information management tools in academia and industry, lack of required machinery, and financial constraints are prominent challenges for well-organized PKIM practices [2,26].

4.7.3. Technical Issues

IT issues, restricted access to required information sources, and information overload create a barrier in managing an adequate PKIM system [21,38,56]. Privacy concerns, diffusion of knowledge, lack of information management expertise, fragmentation of different systems, and their lack of interoperability cause problems for PKIM [12].

Flood of online misinformation, lack of required resources, static content, traditional existing models, scattered information, concepts clarity problem, and lack of awareness about the potential benefits of knowledge management cause difficulty in implementing an efficient personal knowledge management system [2,17,31]. Changes in the industry, lack of required skills-set, shortage of skilled workers, the vast amount of scattered information, lack of social media literacy skills, heterogeneity of data, and subjective data are prominent challenges for the development of an efficient PKIM system [5,18,20,30,32].

Figure 7 shows the challenges for developing an effective PKIM system.

5. Discussion

The research team undertook the current study to carry out a comprehensive systematic review of the relationship between IT self-efficacy and PKIM for sustainable lifelong learning and organizational performance. Studies related to personal knowledge, personal information management, IT self-efficacy, and personal knowledge and information management published worldwide in the peer-reviewed journals were selected for conducting a comprehensive systematic literature review (SLR).

This study provides a systematic mapping of 50 studies from geographically dispersed regions published in the English language. Synthetic results extracted from the 50 studies offer evidence-based facts about the relationship between IT self-efficacy and PKIM practices, trending tools of PKIM for sustainable lifelong learning and organizational performance, and challenges for the development of an effective PKIM system.

5.1. Relationship between IT Self-Efficacy and PKIM

Extracted data showed a significant positive relationship between IT self-efficacy and PKIM for innovative sustainable learning and job output. Various forms of IT self-efficacy including web self-efficacy, computer self-efficacy, virtual media efficacy, digital self-efficacy, e-learning self-efficacy, and social media self-efficacy were positively associated with efficient PKIM practices for personal and professional development.

IT expertise plays a vital role to find, browse, search, store, and use required information through modern-driven tools including search engines, databases, digital libraries, citation management software, cloud storage devices, advanced search, smartphones, and external storage gadgets. In the present age, IT self-efficacy is highly useful for managing personal knowledge and information resources effectively and efficiently. IT has a strong positive impact in all disciplines of life, especially knowledge and information. IT self-efficacy enhances productivity in required tasks. Artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and the Internet of Things prove useful in the development of effective systems for PKIM. Innovation in learning and work is produced due to IT self-efficacy. This finding is similar to the results of the studies conducted by researchers in the past including Shao et al. [27]; Masadeh et al. [13]; Liu et al. [30]; Chou et al. [18]; Jarrahi et al. [15]; Vark and Reino [16], and Masood et al. [53].

5.2. Trending Approaches for PKIM

The study revealed trending approaches for PKIM for sustainable lifelong learning and organizational performance. Social media tools are an efficient source to manage personal knowledge and information. Digital media provides sufficient learning opportunities for professional development. Social networking sites offer an extensive toolset for personal information management-based practices. Academia and industry apply social media tools for the capacity-building of manpower. YouTube and Facebook are also used for supporting collaboration among learners and workers who are geographically dispersed. Digital media tools provide innovative techniques for performance enhancement. These include micro-blogging and virtual rooms instead of using other traditional means. This finding is similar to the results of the studies conducted by Fourie [19]; Bharadwaj et al. [14]; Dong et al. [20]; Masadeh et al. [13]; Jiafu et al. [36]; Razmerita et al. [12]; Zi et al. and Yen et al. (2020) [11].

The findings of the study showed that psychological ownership (PO) also played an important role in PKIM. PO motivates people to better organize knowledge and information for delivering optimum performance. PO is a significant tool for organizations to inspire employees to contribute innovatively. This specific result is similar to the previous findings of the studies investigated by Chou et al. [18]; Shujahat et al. [37]; Masood et al. [53]. Implementation of advanced technologies positively assists in managing personal knowledge and information. Emerging trends in technology support academic and professional achievements. The latest technologies, including semantic tools, and e-learning forums, are key sources for organizing personal information systematically. This result is consonant with the results of the studies carried out by Volkel and Haller [55]; Chou et al. [18], and Shujahat et al. [37].

5.3. Challenges for the Development of an Effective PKIM System

The study showed the challenges faced in developing an effective PKIM system. These challenges were based on traditional styles, non-cooperative attitudes, and unwillingness to change, etc. Without a positive mindset, successful systems might not be implemented. This result is similar to the results presented by Hwang et al.; and Vark and Reino [5,16].

Financial issues are also a worth-mentioning challenge for the adoption of effective and efficient PKIM systems. Without the provision of reasonable financial resources, emerging technologies may not be adopted. Financial resources play a key role in the implementation of automatic systems. This finding is similar to the results given by different authors including Mavodza [1] and Ngulube [2], and Pucihar et al. [39] in their studies. The unavailability of technical support is a major challenge to successfully design an effective and efficient integrated PKIM system. Without sufficient technical support, sustainable innovative learning and creative work performance may not be delivered. This outcome is similar to the results of the studies conducted by Akbari and Ghaffari [32]; Liu et al. [30], and Jiafu et al. [36].

5.4. Implications

This research provides pertinent theoretical, practical, social, academic, and managerial implications. It practically guides policy-makers to develop practicable policies for effective PKIM practices. It reveals strategies for efficiently managing personal knowledge and information to uplift the learning-based standards in society. The findings and recommendations of the study are useful for academicians to improve PKIM practices in learners. It also offers guidelines to the creators of knowledge and information-based systems to organize intellectual resources in a well-ordered way. This study is impactful for all stakeholders of academics, organizations, and the IT industry in making fruitful decisions for successful PKIM.

The study is a valuable addition to the body of existing knowledge, conducting a comprehensive systematic literature review (SLR) through the inclusion of 50 peer-reviewed papers on the relationship between IT self-efficacy and PKIM for sustainable lifelong learning and organizational efficiency. The paper contributes valuable content for sustainable professional development. It illustrates fruitful steps to ensure sustainability in lifelong learning and organizational performance. It recommends techniques and methods for sustainable output in academia and the field.

6. Conclusions

Evidence-based data synthesized through 50 research papers published in peer-reviewed journals of 13 leading digital databases showed a significant positive relationship between IT self-efficacy and PKIM for sustainable lifelong learning and innovative organizational performance. Social media tools, the adoption of emerging technologies, continued professional development, artificial intelligence, and collaborative efforts are trending techniques for the successful implementation of PKIM activities for innovative outcomes in academia and the field. Traditional approaches, fast-paced changes, workload, lack of trust, unavailability of advanced technologies, financial constraints, lack of technical support, restricted access to required information sources, information overload, privacy concerns, diffusion of knowledge, concepts clarity problems, lack of digital media literacy skills, and heterogeneity of data are prominent challenges for well-organized PKIM practices.

6.1. Recommendations

The following recommendations are provided based on this study’s findings:

• Academia–industry linkages need to be promoted. A strong liaison should be developed between academia and industry to promote PKIM courses.
• The critical thinking skills of students and workers should be developed to motivate them towards PKIM practices.
• There should be a work–life balance so that proper attention may be paid to knowledge and information-based activities.
• An atmosphere of trust should be created for the psychological ownership of students and workers.
• A course on PKIM needs to be taught at universities, covering all key concepts.
• Expertise in information literacy skills and digital media tools should be developed to turn individuals into skilled assets.
• Adequate funds should be provided for the successful implementation and functioning of PKIM systems.
• Emerging tools need to be implemented for managing information overload and the heterogeneity of the data.
• Faculty members of universities and employers in organizations should spread awareness about the potential benefits of PKIM.
• Higher education bodies should revise their existing curriculum through the inclusion of PKIM courses.
• Librarians should conduct training workshops to provide the required awareness and competencies related to effective PKIM practices.

Figure 8 presents an overview of the key practical solutions based on this study’s findings for efficient PKIM practices.

6.2. Limitations

The research team explored the literature for conducting a systematic review using digital databases. We did not search documents from search engines, institutional repositories, Lib Guides, blog posts, etc. Hence, literature existing on such forums was not considered appropriate for inclusion in the current study. Furthermore, we only included original research articles (n = 50) to conduct a systematic literature review, and other sources of information, including books, conference proceedings, magazines, articles, newspaper columns, review reports, and grey literature, were not included in the study. Although researchers searched separately from two different countries and three different universities, there is a possibility some relevant studies published in the worldwide literature were missed. Furthermore, only articles published in the English language were considered for inclusion, to conduct a systematic literature review (SLR) on the relationship between personal knowledge and information management for sustainable lifelong learning and innovative job performance.

6.3. Future Research Directions

• The current study has attempted to identify the relationship between IT self-efficacy and PKIM through a systematic literature review. In the future, a study may be conducted to find out the relationship between e-learning self-efficacy and PKIM through an in-depth scoping review.
• Future researchers might include all sources of knowledge, including websites, blogs, grey literature, and books to conduct a systematic literature review on the relationship between IT self-efficacy and PKIM for innovative learning and performance for offering a broader outlook to the readers.
• Future investigators may conduct an empirical study using quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, and experimental methodologies to find out the relationship between IT self-efficacy and PKIM for sustainable lifelong learning and organizational performance.
• Future researchers should use sequential explanatory research methodology to develop a framework for an efficient PKIM system based on the recommendations provided in the current study.
• A quantitative study may also be carried out in the future to test the validity of the key practical solutions offered in the current study.