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Knowledge transfer between self-initiated expatriates and their organizations: Research propositions for managing SIEs

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  • Shao, Jun Jie
  • Ariss, Akram AL

Abstract

Knowledge management is increasingly recognized as a key aspect of international business and management. This paper offers research avenues for investigating knowledge transfer between self-initiated expatriates (SIEs) and their employer organizations. Building on the existing literature on expatriation and knowledge transfer, it offers a series of research propositions. It illustrates the knowledge transfer process in three phases: opportunity seeking, knowledge sharing, and knowledge application. We suggest that different characteristics of SIEs and their organizations can influence the knowledge transfer process. Furthermore, we advance that SIEs may be a source of sustained competitive advantage to their companies. Several implications for future empirical research are also discussed and the paper concludes with practical implications for SIE talent management.

Suggested Citation

  • Shao, Jun Jie & Ariss, Akram AL, 2020. "Knowledge transfer between self-initiated expatriates and their organizations: Research propositions for managing SIEs," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 29(1).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:iburev:v:29:y:2020:i:1:s0969593118304025
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ibusrev.2019.101634
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    1. Kiessling, Timothy & Maley, Jane Frances & Moeller, Miriam & Dabić, Marina, 2023. "Managing global knowledge transfer: Inpatriate manager embeddedness and firm innovation," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(2).
    2. Aslam, Muhammad Shakeel & O’Reilly, Dermot & Shah, Uzair, 2023. "Taking the rough with the smooth: A qualitative inquiry into social and cultural practices of knowledge-sharing work in international consultancy alliances," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(4).
    3. Sanjay Kumar Singh & Shlomo Y. Tarba & Geoffrey Wood & Nikos Bozionelos & Manlio del Giudice & Vijay Pereira & Hengky Latan, 2022. "Adjustment and work outcomes of self-initiated expatriates in the United Arab Emirates," Post-Print hal-04325598, HAL.
    4. Singh, Sanjay Kumar & Tarba, Shlomo Y. & Wood, Geoffrey & Bozionelos, Nikos & Del Giudice, Manlio & Pereira, Vijay & Latan, Hengky, 2022. "Adjustment and work outcomes of self-initiated expatriates in the United Arab Emirates: Development and testing of a model," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 28(3).
    5. Shao, Jun Jie & Bayraktar, Secil & Al Ariss, Akram, 2022. "Knowledge transfer of Chinese self-initiated repatriates: Exploring the returnee and company perspectives," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 150(C), pages 12-25.
    6. Kahiya, Eldrede T., 2024. "A problematization review of export assistance: Debates and future directions," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(1).

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