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Chinese MNEs and managerial knowledge transfer in Africa: the case of the construction sector in Ghana

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  • Cyrielle Auffray
  • Xiaolan Fu

Abstract

This paper considers the case of managerial knowledge spillovers from Chinese FDI in Africa, in the context of the Ghanaian construction sector. Using empirical data from in-depth qualitative interviews, the paper first identifies key channels and determinants of managerial knowledge spillovers. Limited local employment at the managerial level in Chinese construction firms is the main impediment to managerial knowledge spillovers from these firms. Cultural and linguistic barriers can explain this situation. Localisation strategies, defined as the progressive replacement of Chinese managers by local ones, can help overcome these barriers and foster managerial knowledge spillovers.

Suggested Citation

  • Cyrielle Auffray & Xiaolan Fu, 2015. "Chinese MNEs and managerial knowledge transfer in Africa: the case of the construction sector in Ghana," Journal of Chinese Economic and Business Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 13(4), pages 285-310, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jocebs:v:13:y:2015:i:4:p:285-310
    DOI: 10.1080/14765284.2015.1092415
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    1. John Henley & Stefan Kratzsch & Mithat Külür & Tamer Tandogan, 2008. "Foreign Direct Investment from China, India and South Africa in Sub-Saharan Africa: A New or Old Phenomenon?," WIDER Working Paper Series RP2008-24, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    2. Brautigam, Deborah, 2011. "The Dragon's Gift: The Real Story of China in Africa," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199606290.
    3. Fosfuri, Andrea & Motta, Massimo & Ronde, Thomas, 2001. "Foreign direct investment and spillovers through workers' mobility," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 53(1), pages 205-222, February.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Yunnan Chen, 2024. "Technology Transfer on the Belt and Road: Pathways for Structural Transformation in Ethiopia’s Standard Gauge Railways," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 36(3), pages 668-694, June.
    3. Bridget Tawiah Badu Eshun & Albert P.C. Chan, 2021. "An Evaluation of Project Risk Dynamics in Sino-Africa Public Infrastructure Delivery; A Causal Loop and Interpretive Structural Modelling Approach (ISM-CLD)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-24, September.
    4. Linda Calabrese & Xiaoyang Tang, 2023. "Economic transformation in Africa: What is the role of Chinese firms?," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 35(1), pages 43-64, January.
    5. Linda Calabrese & Neil Balchin, 2022. "Foreign Investment and Upgrading in the Garment Sector in Africa and Asia," Global Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, vol. 13(S1), pages 34-44, April.
    6. Lu, Yangsiyu & Springer, Cecilia & Steffen, Bjarne, 2024. "Cofinancing and infrastructure project outcomes in Chinese lending and overseas development finance," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 175(C).

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