Purpose: This article aims to examine international studies of knowledge management (KM) and organizational learning (OL). Design/methodology/approach: The approach takes the form of a literature review of KM and OL research that focuses on a business or businesses located outside traditional Western economies. Findings: There is a need to increase research that examines KM and OL existing in different and multiple countries. Additionally, cultural factors should be included in KM and OL research analysis. Research limitations/implications: The limitation is that the only practical empirical evidence is supplied through the highlighted articles in the literature review. Originality/value: The article shows that, in order to increase the application of KM and OL research world-wide, national culture and other geopolitical influences need to be represented in KM and OL models and measurement instruments. (Contains 1 figure and 1 table.)