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When same is (not) the aim: A treatise on organizational cultural fit and knowledge transfer

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  • Morgulis-Yakushev, Sergey
  • Yildiz, H. Emre
  • Fey, Carl. F.

Abstract

Multinationals (MNCs) need to find the balance between developing a globally standardized organizational culture and having multiple locally- adapted organizational cultures. Past literature embodies the bias that differences between MNC units, unless managed, would lead to adverse consequences. To counter this negative bias, we focus on cultural fit, which is the amount of difference yielding maximum benefit. We argue that depending on comparison criterion and desired outcome, fit could be achieved by establishing similarities or maintaining differences. Using evolutionary economics, we explore knowledge transfer within MNCs and test our hypotheses on fit using a unique dyadic dataset from 186 MNCs.

Suggested Citation

  • Morgulis-Yakushev, Sergey & Yildiz, H. Emre & Fey, Carl. F., 2018. "When same is (not) the aim: A treatise on organizational cultural fit and knowledge transfer," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 53(2), pages 151-163.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:worbus:v:53:y:2018:i:2:p:151-163
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jwb.2017.09.002
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    2. Nicolai J. Foss & Torben Pedersen, 2019. "Microfoundations in international management research: The case of knowledge sharing in multinational corporations," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 50(9), pages 1594-1621, December.
    3. López-Sáez, Pedro & Cruz-González, Jorge & Navas-López, Jose Emilio & Perona-Alfageme, María del Mar, 2021. "Organizational integration mechanisms and knowledge transfer effectiveness in MNCs: The moderating role of cross-national distance," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 27(4).
    4. Junshuai Cheng & Qaisar Iqbal & Guangmeng Ji & Weichun Li, 2022. "A Sustainable and Comprehensive Framework for Knowledge Transfer in MNCs: An Empirical Examination Based on Country, Company and Individual Levels of Chinese MNCs," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-17, October.
    5. Dellestrand, Henrik & Holm, Ulf & Lindahl, Olof, 2023. "Moving beyond the transfer dyad: Exploring network influences on transfer effectiveness," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(2).
    6. Lee, Steve Kyungjae & Ghauri, Pervez N. & Oh, Kum-Sik & Xiao, Shufeng (Simon) & Park, Byung Il & Romero-Martínez, Ana M., 2024. "Reverse knowledge transfer from subsidiaries to headquarters: Chinese firms in Africa," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 30(1).
    7. Szkudlarek, Betina & Osland, Joyce S. & Nardon, Luciara & Zander, Lena, 2020. "Communication and culture in international business – Moving the field forward," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 55(6).

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