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Cross-Cultural Perceptions On Knowledge Sharing In Heterogeneous Collaborations

Author

Listed:
  • BENJAMIN NIEDERGASSEL

    (University of Münster, Institute of Business Administration at the Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Leonardo-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany)

  • STEFFEN KANZLER

    (University of Münster, Institute of Business Administration at the Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Leonardo-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany)

  • SALVADOR ALVIDREZ

    (University of Salamanca, Observatory for Audiovisual, Contents at the Department of Sociology and Communication, Campus Unamuno, Edificio FES s/n, 37007, Salamanca, Spain)

  • JENS LEKER

    (University of Münster, Institute of Business Administration at the Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Leonardo-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany)

Abstract

This qualitative study investigates different perceptions of knowledge sharing in a cross-cultural research collaboration between German and Chinese scientists. Special emphasis is placed on the in-group and out-group orientation of partners, different communication styles and personal and organizational influence factors. Data was obtained by conducting six focus groups in Germany and China. All ideas expressed in these focus groups were categorized and thoroughly evaluated. Our analysis reveals that the in- and out-group orientation of collectivistic and individualistic cultures might not be as pronounced as theory would suggest. In fact, members of the more collectivistic Chinese culture even showed a higher out-group orientation than members of the more individualistic German culture in our study. The resulting theoretical and practical implications for managing cross-cultural collaboration projects are discussed in detail in the paper.

Suggested Citation

  • Benjamin Niedergassel & Steffen Kanzler & Salvador Alvidrez & Jens Leker, 2011. "Cross-Cultural Perceptions On Knowledge Sharing In Heterogeneous Collaborations," International Journal of Innovation Management (ijim), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 15(03), pages 563-592.
    • Handle: RePEc:wsi:ijimxx:v:15:y:2011:i:03:n:s1363919611003441
    DOI: 10.1142/S1363919611003441
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