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Managerial ties and knowledge transfer in business ecosystems: Evidence from Korean subsidiaries in China

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  • Jingxun Li

    (Yanbian University)

  • Ruby P. Lee

    (Florida State University)

  • Lian Zhang

    (Yanbian University)

Abstract

This study adds to the literature on business ecosystems and knowledge management by examining managerial ties as contingency factors. We suggest that managerial ties can be symbiotic (resources) or parasitic (constraints) to a foreign firm. We support our contention with evidence from Korean subsidiaries in China. We find that domestic political ties strengthen the effect of headquarters' knowledge transfer on performance. On the other hand, business ties are a double-edged sword, strengthening the performance impact of local knowledge acquisition while weakening that of headquarters' knowledge transfer.

Suggested Citation

  • Jingxun Li & Ruby P. Lee & Lian Zhang, 2018. "Managerial ties and knowledge transfer in business ecosystems: Evidence from Korean subsidiaries in China," Asian Business & Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 17(3), pages 183-207, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:abaman:v:17:y:2018:i:3:d:10.1057_s41291-018-0033-y
    DOI: 10.1057/s41291-018-0033-y
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    Cited by:

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    2. Lucy Sojung Lee & Weiguo Zhong, 2020. "Responses to alliance partners’ misbehavior and firm performance in China: the moderating roles of Guanxi orientation," Asian Business & Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 19(3), pages 344-378, July.
    3. Xiao Chen & Jian Peng & Xue Lei & Yanchun Zou, 2021. "Leave or stay with a lonely leader? An investigation into whether, why, and when leader workplace loneliness increases team turnover intentions," Asian Business & Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 20(2), pages 280-303, April.
    4. Fabian Jintae Froese & Dylan Sutherland & Jeoung Yul Lee & Yipeng Liu & Yuan Pan, 2019. "Challenges for foreign companies in China: implications for research and practice," Asian Business & Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 18(4), pages 249-262, September.
    5. Xuelian Piao & Jon Jungbien Moon, 2019. "When does knowledge similarity help foreign firms improve performance?," Asian Business & Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 18(4), pages 301-323, September.

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