Bagis, MehmetKurutkan, Mehmet NurullahDemirel, OguzCark, OzgurYazici, Omer2025-10-112025-10-1120252043-62382043-6246https://doi.org/10.1108/JFBM-02-2025-0052https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12684/21841PurposeThis research aims to analyze the development patterns of knowledge management (KM) literature in the context of family businesses (FB) with objective and quantitative data. For this purpose, it aims to fill the gaps in the existing literature and develop a more systematic understanding of the effects of KM on FB by utilizing the bibliometric analysis method and the theory, context, characteristics and methodology (TCCM) model.Design/methodology/approachWe conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) of published works indexed in the Clarivate Web of Science (WOS) and Elsevier Scopus databases to identify, evaluate and map research at the intersection of KM and FB. We analyzed the data using performance analyses, bibliometric analyses, TCCM and driver analyses.FindingsWe identify the most influential countries, journals, institutions and authors with performance analyses. Using co-citation and co-occurrence analysis, we generate insights about the literature at the intersection of KM and FB research. Based on TCCM and driver analyses, we identify theories, contexts, antecedents, outcomes, methodologies and critical drivers at this intersection, providing a detailed field pattern. We conclude this article by developing an agenda for future research.Originality/valueThis study is the first to examine the KM literature in FB from a holistic, systematic and objective perspective. Bibliometric analyses, the TCCM framework and driver analyses were applied to 207 articles obtained from the Web of Science and Scopus databases. Unlike previous literature, this study mapped theoretical, contextual, and methodological gaps in a multi-layered manner and suggested new areas for research. The study provides a more holistic framework for understanding the effects of KM on FB, thereby eliminating conceptual disorganization in the field. Thus, an original and future-oriented research agenda on the evolution of the KM-FB literature was presented.en10.1108/JFBM-02-2025-0052info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessKnowledge managementFamily businessBibliometric analysisTCMM framework analysisDriver analysisArticle2-s2.0-105005777865WOS:001491844300001Q1N/A