Frequency of applications of systematic reviews in evidence synthesis in management research : a scoping review of South African practices

Abstract

Abstract: A wide range of frequently used methodological tools exist in other disciplines, yet are often not utilized in the management sciences. Tools such as systematic reviews are useful to objectively review, summarize, and appraise the results of published studies to guide practice or identify gaps in knowledge that require further research. The aim of this scoping review is to ascertain to what extent systematic reviews are utilized in South African management research. We employed a scoping review methodology and searched a number of prominent management databases. No limits on publication dates were set. Data was analyzed by means of charting. 9880 studies were identified during an initial search. From these 204 were assessed for eligibility, which 32 articles met. It was found that systematic reviews comprise 0.09% of South African managerial studies. An increase in the utilization was observed from 2014 onwards, yet systematic reviews are severely under-utilized in South African management research.. A roadmap identifying crucial steps in systematic reviews and best practices is provided