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Knowledge transfer, multinational enterprises, organizational learning

Author

Listed:
  • Lingling Wang

    (Worcester State University, USA)

  • Aysun Ficici

    (Southern New Hampshire University, USA)

  • Bo Fan

    (Worcester State University, USA)

Abstract

This book aims to explore one of the most important aspects of knowledge management, knowledge transfer in multinational enterprises (MNEs). It examines this knowledge transfer process from two distinct perspectives: intra-firm and inter-firm. Intra-firm transfer of knowledge refers to the knowledge flow between headquarters and subsidiaries and inter-firm transfer is defined as the knowledge transfer between partners in international joint-ventures (IJV). Specifically, it attempts to investigate the factors that influence the intra-firm knowledge transfer process and the willingness to share knowledge between partners in IJVs, in order to improve the performance of MNEs. Since willingness to share knowledge between partners is more complex than that between parent and subsidiary due to the difference in ownership structure, if MNEs can manage the willingness to share knowledge in IJVs, then dealing with it between parent and subsidiary should be much easier.To examine intra-firm knowledge transfer, system dynamics (SD) modeling is adopted and simulations demonstrate that both the transmission willingness and capacity, and absorptive willingness and capacity are important for MNEs to enhance its performance, since knowledge transfer is a two-way communication process. In order to reach a win-win situation, both headquarters and subsidiaries should be willing to share knowledge and learn from each other. To improve the effectiveness of knowledge transfer, ways to enhance transmission willingness and absorptive capacity, and cultural factors that influence cross-border communication are explored and discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Lingling Wang & Aysun Ficici & Bo Fan, 2019. "Knowledge transfer, multinational enterprises, organizational learning," EconSciences Library Books, EconSciences Library Books, edition 1, number 978-605-7736-57-4.
    • Handle: RePEc:cvv:eslbks:978-605-7736-57-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • Q01 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - General - - - Sustainable Development
    • O44 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Environment and Growth

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