Purpose – The purpose of this two-part study is to systematically review, analyze and critically synthesize the current state of empirical research on knowledge loss induced by organizational member turnover (KLT).

Design/methodology/approach – A systematic literature review was conducted based on 91 empiricalstudies on KLT.

Findings – Part I of the study contributes to the advancement of KLT scholarship by mapping key developments in empirical research on KLT (publication trends, methodological and theoretical foci, heterogeneity of geographical, industrial and organizational contexts); encapsulating KLT antecedents associated with both voluntary and involuntary turnover; and revealing a broad scope of KLT effects at organizational and unit level.

Research limitations/implications – This study has limitations related to inclusion/exclusion criteriaused for creating the review sample and the “Antecedents–Phenomenon–Outcomes” logic used to synthesize the findings.

Originality/value – Part I of the study offers a systematic synthesis of KLT empirical research with respect to KLT antecedents, outcomes and factors affecting them.