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Intercultural Knowledge Sharing Between Expatriates and Host-country Nationals in Vietnam: A Practice-based Study of Communicative Relations and Power Dynamics

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  • Heizmann, Helena
  • Fee, Anthony
  • Gray, Sidney J.

Abstract

We examine the communicative enabling practices and power dynamics of intercultural knowledge sharing relationships between Australian expatriates and host-country nationals from a practice-based theoretical perspective. Drawing on the results of an empirical field study, including interviews with 20 Australian expatriates and 23 Vietnamese host-country nationals, we identify three discrete phases of the relationships: (1) relationship building, (2) reciprocal learning and (3) knowledge co-construction. These stages provide the basis for a theoretical model and propositions that articulate specific communicative practices of both expatriates and host country nationals in developing and maintaining productive knowledge sharing relationships. Central to this is a dynamic process of power renegotiation between expatriates and host-country nationals that goes beyond prescriptive notions of ‘power distance’. Our findings extend current (expatriate-centred) research by showing how effective (two-way) KS relations are constituted through the discursive practices of both HCNs and expatriates in ways that are complementary, mutually reinforcing, and transformational.

Suggested Citation

  • Heizmann, Helena & Fee, Anthony & Gray, Sidney J., 2018. "Intercultural Knowledge Sharing Between Expatriates and Host-country Nationals in Vietnam: A Practice-based Study of Communicative Relations and Power Dynamics," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 24(1), pages 16-32.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:intman:v:24:y:2018:i:1:p:16-32
    DOI: 10.1016/j.intman.2017.06.002
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    3. Ma, Danni & Fee, Anthony & Grabowski, Simone & Scerri, Moira, 2022. "Dual Organizational Identification in Multinational Enterprises and Interpersonal Horizontal Knowledge Sharing: A Conceptual Model," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 28(1).
    4. Michailova, Snejina & Fee, Anthony & DeNisi, Angelo, 2023. "Research on host-country nationals in multinational enterprises: The last five decades and ways forward," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 58(1).
    5. Kang, Haiying & Wang, Ying & Cao, Yi, 2024. "Host Country Nationals' Role Overload and Perspective Taking as Antecedents of Knowledge Sharing: The Moderating Role of Host Country nationals' Agreeableness," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 30(4).
    6. Taiba Hussain & Alexandra Henderson & Sophia Soyoung Jeong, 2024. "Knowledge Sharing of Self-Initiated Expatriates: The Effects of Job Embeddedness, Career Capital, and Supervisor Incivility," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 64(5), pages 843-870, October.
    7. Yong Suhk Pak & Qinglu Sun & Yi Yang, 2019. "Influences of expatriate managerial styles on host-country nationals’ turnover intention," Asian Business & Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 18(4), pages 263-280, September.

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