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Disseminative capabilities and manufacturing plant roles in the knowledge network of MNCs

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  • Szász, Levente
  • Rácz, Béla-Gergely
  • Scherrer, Maike
  • Deflorin, Patricia

Abstract

Manufacturing plants operating within the international manufacturing network (IMN) of a multinational company (MNC) frequently participate in the intra-company creation and distribution of knowledge, thereby contributing to the competitive advantage of the whole company and at the same time strengthening their own position within the MNC. International business and operations management literature suggests that plants taking up a knowledge-sending role within their IMN have a stronger position within the company. Nevertheless, literature offers little guidance on how to become a knowledge disseminator within the IMN.

Suggested Citation

  • Szász, Levente & Rácz, Béla-Gergely & Scherrer, Maike & Deflorin, Patricia, 2019. "Disseminative capabilities and manufacturing plant roles in the knowledge network of MNCs," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 208(C), pages 294-304.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:proeco:v:208:y:2019:i:c:p:294-304
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpe.2018.12.004
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