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Knowledge transfer planning and execution in offshore outsourcing: An applied approach

Author

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  • Sabine Madsen

    (IT University of Copenhagen, Games & Interaction Design)

  • Keld Bødker

    (Roskilde University)

  • Thomas Tøth

    (Copenhagen Business School, Department of Intercultural Communication and Management)

Abstract

In this paper, we report from a longitudinal project about knowledge transfer conducted in a major financial company headquartered in Denmark and an offshore development center located in Bangalore, India. We identify the main knowledge transfer challenges experienced by the case company. The challenges inform the conceptual design of a systematic five-step approach to the company’s knowledge transfer. Our main contribution is to illustrate how extant research can be applied to understand and solve the knowledge transfer challenges of a particular company in a way that fits with the outsourcing setup and the company culture. We also draw attention to the fact that client side managers play a crucial role in determining how and with what priority knowledge transfer can take place. Our research indicates that a first, important step towards ensuring successful knowledge transfer in outsourcing is to focus on the training and support of client side managers.

Suggested Citation

  • Sabine Madsen & Keld Bødker & Thomas Tøth, 2015. "Knowledge transfer planning and execution in offshore outsourcing: An applied approach," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 17(1), pages 67-77, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:infosf:v:17:y:2015:i:1:d:10.1007_s10796-014-9516-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s10796-014-9516-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mark Easterby‐Smith & Marjorie A. Lyles & Eric W. K. Tsang, 2008. "Inter‐Organizational Knowledge Transfer: Current Themes and Future Prospects," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 45(4), pages 677-690, June.
    2. Alessia Sammarra & Lucio Biggiero, 2008. "Heterogeneity and Specificity of Inter‐Firm Knowledge Flows in Innovation Networks," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 45(4), pages 800-829, June.
    3. Ikujiro Nonaka, 1994. "A Dynamic Theory of Organizational Knowledge Creation," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 5(1), pages 14-37, February.
    4. Wanda J. Orlikowski, 1992. "The Duality of Technology: Rethinking the Concept of Technology in Organizations," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 3(3), pages 398-427, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Yogesh K. Dwivedi & David Wastell & Helle Zinner Henriksen & Rahul De’, 2015. "Guest editorial: Grand successes and failures in IT: Private and public sectors," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 17(1), pages 11-14, February.
    2. Noronha, Ernesto & D'Cruz, Premilla, 2020. "The Indian IT industry: A global production network perspective," IPE Working Papers 134/2020, Berlin School of Economics and Law, Institute for International Political Economy (IPE).
    3. Sukruth Suresh & T. Ravichandran, 2022. "Value Gains in Business Process Outsourcing: The Vendor Perspective," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 24(2), pages 677-690, April.

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