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Inter-firm learning and knowledge-sharing in multinational networks: An outsourced organization's perspective

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  • Gupta, Samir
  • Polonsky, Michael

Abstract

This research provides insights into how learning and knowledge are exchanged multinationally between customer firms and their outsourced suppliers who provide non-core, yet essential, services. The paper seeks to understand: (1) how information is exchanged in these networks; (2) how cumulative knowledge adds value in these networks; and (3) how boundary-spanners assist in the dissemination of knowledge and learning within the network. Based on a pharmaceutical industry case, the results suggest that: (a) multinational firms operate more effectively and interact by sharing knowledge with outsourced firms which reflect the customers' structure and fit; (b) networked firms benefit from interactions through economies of scope, but knowledge is not necessarily shared equally among partners; (c) learning and knowledge-sharing interactions are tightly coupled at the product development stage; and (d) outsourced firms interact with external boundary-spanners as needed. The research provides insights for managers of multinational organizations and managers of firms from where essential services are outsourced.

Suggested Citation

  • Gupta, Samir & Polonsky, Michael, 2014. "Inter-firm learning and knowledge-sharing in multinational networks: An outsourced organization's perspective," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 67(4), pages 615-622.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:67:y:2014:i:4:p:615-622
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2013.02.043
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Brunetta, Federica & Marchegiani, Lucia & Peruffo, Enzo, 2020. "When birds of a feather don't flock together: Diversity and innovation outcomes in international R&D collaborations," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 114(C), pages 436-445.
    3. Shenglei Pi & Weining Cai, 2017. "Individual knowledge sharing behavior in dynamic virtual communities: the perspectives of network effects and status competition," Frontiers of Business Research in China, Springer, vol. 11(1), pages 1-17, December.
    4. Ali Rezaeian & Rouhollah Bagheri, 2018. "Modeling the Factors that Affect the Implementation of Knowledge Networks," Foresight and STI Governance (Foresight-Russia till No. 3/2015), National Research University Higher School of Economics, vol. 12(1), pages 56-67.
    5. Curado, Carla & Muñoz-Pascual, Lucía & Galende, Jesús, 2018. "Antecedents to innovation performance in SMEs: A mixed methods approach," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 89(C), pages 206-215.
    6. Liu , Ju & Liefner , Ingo, 2016. "The Joint Influencing Mechanism of Proximities and Knowledge Base on Multinational Companies’ Global Innovation Networks," Papers in Innovation Studies 2016/4, Lund University, CIRCLE - Centre for Innovation Research.
    7. Lyu, Chongchong & Yang, Jianjun & Zhang, Feng & Teo, Thompson S.H. & Mu, Tian, 2020. "How do knowledge characteristics affect firm’s knowledge sharing intention in interfirm cooperation? An empirical study," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 115(C), pages 48-60.
    8. Xavier Molina-Morales, F. & Belso-Martínez, José A. & Más-Verdú, Francisco & Martínez-Cháfer, Luis, 2015. "Formation and dissolution of inter-firm linkages in lengthy and stable networks in clusters," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 68(7), pages 1557-1562.
    9. Seggie, Steven H. & Griffith, David A., 2021. "The moderating effects of economic and strategic relationship value in tolerating active and passive opportunism," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 128(C), pages 233-244.
    10. Wang, Changfeng & Hu, Qiying, 2020. "Knowledge sharing in supply chain networks: Effects of collaborative innovation activities and capability on innovation performance," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 94.
    11. Ho, Hillbun (Dixon) & Lu, Ruichang, 2015. "Performance implications of marketing exploitation and exploration: Moderating role of supplier collaboration," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 68(5), pages 1026-1034.
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    14. Gao, Yongling & Driouchi, Tarik, 2018. "Accounting for ambiguity and trust in partial outsourcing: A behavioral real options perspective," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 92(C), pages 93-104.

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