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Making competencies cross business unit boundaries: the interplay between inter-unit coordination, trust and knowledge transferability

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  • Annick Willem
  • Marc Buelens

    (Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School)

Abstract

The strategic value of knowledge sharing has long been recognized but valuable competencies are too often locked in one business unit. This paper provides insight into the role of organizational factors in spreading complex bundles of knowledge among business units. A study in a British multinational confirms the importance of knowledge transferability, headquarters' role, the close relationship between standardization and knowledge sharing, and the ambiguous role of informal networking.

Suggested Citation

  • Annick Willem & Marc Buelens, 2003. "Making competencies cross business unit boundaries: the interplay between inter-unit coordination, trust and knowledge transferability," Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School Working Paper Series 2003-10, Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School.
    • Handle: RePEc:vlg:vlgwps:2003-10
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