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Mapping Internal Knowledge Transfers in Multinational Corporations

Author

Listed:
  • Rita Castro

    (Department of Economics, Management, Industrial Engineering and Tourism, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

  • António Carrizo Moreira

    (Department of Economics, Management, Industrial Engineering and Tourism, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
    GOVCOPP—Research Unit on Governance, Competitiveness and Public Policies, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
    INESCTEC—Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal)

Abstract

Managing multiple knowledge transfers between headquarters and subsidiaries, among subsidiaries, and also within each of these units is crucial for multinational corporations’ (MNCs) survival. Therefore, this article aims to uncover the main factors influencing internal knowledge transfers in MNCs—including intra-unit knowledge transfers and transfers between units, namely, conventional, horizontal, and reverse knowledge transfers. To achieve this goal, a systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to synthesize the content of 85 articles. From a set of 1439 papers, only 85 related to knowledge transfer and knowledge sharing were considered. Based on an inductive thematic approach, eight different research categories and 97 topics were identified. Four different internal knowledge transfers (intra knowledge transfer (IKT), horizontal knowledge transfer (HKT), conventional knowledge transfer (CKT), and reverse knowledge transfer (RKT)) are compared across eight thematic categories and 97 topics. According to the results obtained, the depth of the topics analyzed varies, as does the variety of categories, with RKT being more deeply analyzed than IKT. There is a clear dominance of vertical knowledge transfer (CKT + RHT) over HKT. The exercise of power (e.g., size, knowledge base) still dominates CKT and RKT in most of the studies analyzed, which are traditionally affected by the characteristics of MNCs, HQs and subsidiaries. The debate on HKT is affected by the classical perspectives of power-based relations (e.g., expatriates, size, knowledge base) among subsidiaries. Although important, intra-unit knowledge transfer is greatly influenced by characteristics.

Suggested Citation

  • Rita Castro & António Carrizo Moreira, 2023. "Mapping Internal Knowledge Transfers in Multinational Corporations," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 13(1), pages 1-30, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jadmsc:v:13:y:2023:i:1:p:16-:d:1027281
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Niels Noorderhaven & Anne-Wil Harzing, 2009. "Knowledge-sharing and social interaction within MNEs," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 40(5), pages 719-741, June.
    2. Maria Adenfelt & Katarina Lagerström, 2008. "The development and sharing of knowledge by Centres of Excellence and transnational teams: A conceptual framework," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 48(3), pages 319-338, May.
    3. Ingmar Björkman & Wilhelm Barner-Rasmussen & Li Li, 2004. "Managing knowledge transfer in MNCs: the impact of headquarters control mechanisms," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 35(5), pages 443-455, September.
    4. Ahmad, Farhan & Barner-Rasmussen, Wilhelm, 2019. "False foe? When and how code switching practices can support knowledge sharing in multinational corporations," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 25(3), pages 1-1.
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    1. 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).

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