Why and how does shared language affect subsidiary knowledge inflows? A social identity perspective

We draw on social identity theory to conceptualize a moderated mediation model that examines the relationship between shared language among subsidiary and HQ managers, and subsidiaries’ knowledge inflows from HQ. Specifically, we study (1) whether this relationship is mediated by the extent to which subsidiary managers share HQ goals and vision, and the extent to which HR decisions are centralized; and (2) whether subsidiary type moderates these mediated relationships. Building on a sample of 817 subsidiaries in nine countries/regions, we find support for our model. Implications for research on HQ-subsidiary knowledge flows, social identity theory and international HRM are discussed

What Fosters Individual-Level Absorptive Capacity in MNCs? : An Extended Motivation-Ability-Opportunity Framework

Absorptive capacity has been marked as one of the most important capabilities of Multinational Corporations for effective management of knowledge. To address calls for research on micro-level origins of the concept, this paper focuses on the determinants of individual-level absorptive capacity. We examine the extent to which individuals' capability to recognize, assimilate and exploit new knowledge from the environment is shaped by different forms of work motivation (i.e., intrinsic and extrinsic), overall ability, exposure to diverse country contexts and personal characteristics. Drawing on and extending the Motivation-Ability-Opportunity framework, we develop and test a set of hypotheses. Using a unique dataset collected from 648 individuals in a multinational corporation, we show that individuals' intrinsic motivation and overall ability are the key antecedents of absorptive capacity. In contrast, extrinsic motivation does not emerge as a significant predictor. We find that past international assignments to distant countries could be detrimental to individuals' absorptive capacity. However, our results suggest that for those individuals who are open to new experiences, assignments to distant countries become useful opportunity for absorptive capacity development. These findings contribute to existing literature by showing effects of alternative types of motivation and underscoring the importance of using selective assignment when considering exposure to diverse country context as a tool for employee capability development

The role of ICT-based information systems in knowledge transfer within multinational companies

This paper focuses on the internal network of multinational companies (MNC) and aims to investigate the role of information systems (IS) based on modern information and communication technologies (ICT) in transferring knowledge between different plants of the MNC, a subject still debated in the literature. To shed more light on this relationship, we propose that in the context of the MNC, the plant’s role in the knowledge network has to be taken into consideration. The analysis is based on a case study approach with interviews conducted at thirteen manufacturing plants. Data analysis shows that plants can have two basic roles in the knowledge network: knowledge senders or knowledge receivers. Knowledge sending plants see IS less supportive in transferring knowledge, while most knowledge receivers rely heavily on some form of IS. Furthermore, IS proved unhelpful if the quality of data entered in the system was low, or when strategic support to allocate resources to use IS was missing

Reverse knowledge transfer from overseas acquisitions: a survey of Indian MNEs

In this paper, we examine the effects of subsidiary level factors on reverse knowledge transfer (RKT) in MNEs from the emerging market of India (EM-MNEs). We argue that subsidiary level competencies and capabilities play a vital role in persuading the parent EM-MNEs to initiate the RKT in their attempt to overcome the disadvantages they have. The competency levels of the subsidiary have been captured in terms of the role that the subsidiary has in the network and its host country endowments. In addition, RKT requires the subsidiary units to collaborate closely with the parent EM-MNEs and is also dependent on the extent of complexity of this knowledge. The study involves a survey of MNEs from the emerging market of India with overseas acquisitions. We develop a set of hypotheses and test them with the data using OLS regression. Results show that higher levels of collaboration facilitate RKT to the parent firm, and this effect is more prominent in high technology and knowledge intensive industries. Also, subsidiaries that hail from host countries with a higher competitive index compared to India and those that perform the role of specialised contributors contribute more towards RKT. In addition, a higher level of knowledge complexity leads to a greater extent of RKT

Assessing the importance of managerial accuracy of perceptions

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The role of international assignees' social capital in creating inter-unit intellectual capital: A cross-level model

We conceptualize international assignees as informational boundary spanners between multinational enterprise units, and develop a cross-level model that explores how assignees' social capital translates into inter-unit intellectual capital. First, as knowledge brokers, assignees create inter-unit intellectual capital by linking their home- and host-unit social capital, thereby enabling cross-unit access to previously unconnected knowledge resources. Second, as knowledge transmitters, assignees' host-unit social capital facilitates their creation of individual intellectual capital, which, in turn, translates into inter-unit intellectual capital. We conclude that individual social capital needs to be explicitly transferred to the organizational level to have a sustained effect on inter-unit intellectual capital. Journal of International Business Studies (2009) 40, 509–526. doi:10.1057/jibs.2008.86