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Knowledge transfer in international asymmetric alliances: the key role of translation, artifacts, and proximity

Author

Listed:
  • Fadia Bahri Korbi

    (LAREQUOI - Laboratoire de recherche en Management - UVSQ - Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines)

  • Mourad Chouki

    (CEREFIGE - Centre Européen de Recherche en Economie Financière et Gestion des Entreprises - UL - Université de Lorraine)

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the issue of knowledge transfer in the context of international asymmetric alliances. The objective is mainly to identify the barriers that can impede the knowledge transfer between asymmetric partners and to analyze the solutions adopted to overcome these barriers. Design/methodology/approach The authors use a qualitative study involving six cases of asymmetric alliances between Tunisian small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs) and European multinational corporations (MNCs). Findings The results of this research highlight a set of obstacles related to the context of asymmetric alliance itself and the nature of knowledge transferred by partners. The study emphasizes the importance of translation using artefacts by both partners and proximity with its geographical, organizational and technological dimensions to overcome these obstacles. Research limitations/implications The investigation of knowledge transfer in asymmetric alliances was based on the role played by only three proximity dimensions (geographical, organizational and technological), while other factors, such as institutional, social and cultural issues, were not considered. Indeed, future research may take these variables into account in studying solutions to overcome knowledge-transfer barriers in asymmetric alliances. Practical implications The paper calls the attention of asymmetric alliance managers to the importance of translation to perform work processes, facilitate knowledge transfer and overcome linguistic barriers. Managers should use virtual artefacts to reduce the constraints resulting from their geographical remoteness and to strengthen cooperation. Further, reinforcing geographical, organizational and technological proximity between partners involved in an international alliance is essential to facilitate knowledge transfer, essentially of tacit knowledge, and to accelerate innovation. Originality/value This study emphasizes the importance of the simultaneous role of artefacts, translation and proximity in overcoming obstacles related to the asymmetric alliance itself and the nature of knowledge transferred by partners. The results shed light on the issue of knowledge generation in asymmetric alliances.

Suggested Citation

  • Fadia Bahri Korbi & Mourad Chouki, 2017. "Knowledge transfer in international asymmetric alliances: the key role of translation, artifacts, and proximity," Post-Print hal-04462945, HAL.
  • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04462945
    DOI: 10.1108/JKM-11-2016-0501
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    Cited by:

    1. Zhao, Shuliang & Wang, Junchen & Ji, Jiaojiao & Vincent Ekow, Arkorful, 2024. "Proximity or alienation? Can knowledge type influence the relationship between proximity and enterprise innovation performance?," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 202(C).
    2. Ricardo Vinícius Dias Jordão & Jorge Casas Novas, 2024. "Information and Knowledge Management, Intellectual Capital, and Sustainable Growth in Networked Small and Medium Enterprises," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 15(1), pages 563-595, March.

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