Knowledge Transfer and Psychological Safety of Migrants in SMEs: An Exploratory Qualitative Study

This exploratory qualitative study investigates the dynamics of knowledge transfer among employees with a migration background in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with a particular focus on the role of psychological safety. Using Mayring’s (2003) qualitative content analysis, the study explores how psychological safety, cultural affiliation, and group dynamics may influence knowledge-sharing practices in multicultural teams. Findings suggest that psychological safety can support trust, mutual respect, and open communication, thus potentially facilitating knowledge transfer. Conversely, a lack of psychological safety, marked by exclusionary practices, groupthink, and hierarchical barriers, appears to limit knowledge flows. The study also highlights the possible relevance of creating “Ba” spaces, secure, inclusive environments for knowledge exchange as conceptualized in the SECI model. As the results are based on a small, non-representative sample of employees only, their generalizability is limited. The study therefore provides exploratory insights and outlines implications for SMEs that aim to leverage diverse talent, while suggesting avenues for future research including triangulated and multi-perspective approaches.