Knowledge Transfer Between Expatriates and Host Country Nationals: Contribution of Individual and Social Capital Factors

Abstract

This paper presents a study on the contribution of individual factors (cultural intelligence and feedback-seeking behaviour) and social capital factors (shared vision and trust) on knowledge transfer between expatriates and host country nationals (HCNs) as perceived by expatriates. The study adopted Social Capital Theory, and Anxiety and Uncertainty Management Theory to support the theoretical framework of the investigation. Data were analysed from a sample of 90 expatriates from selected universities and multinational corporations (MNCs) in the area of Klang Valley, Malaysia. The results reveal that there is a positive relationship between individual factors as well as social capital factors and knowledge transfer. In addition, only shared vision shows a significant influence on knowledge transfer. The regression results disclose that the variables explain 24.1% of variance in knowledge transfer.

Differentiating knowledge transfer and technology transfer

“…In view of the critical need for both KT and TT to take place, it is important to differentiate between the two concepts to avoid confusion and their inaccurate use in managing knowledge by organizations. However, studies on KT and TT are mostly focused separately on either KT (Hsu, 2012;Asmussen et al, 2013;Ismail et al, 2016;Wehn and Montalvo, 2018) or TT (Abdul Wahab et al, 2012;Gilsing et al 2011;Dubickisa and Gaile-Sarkanea, (2015).…”

“…This is further supported by Argote and Ingram (2000) that the strength of moving people as a KT mechanism complements the speed and volume of moving technologies. Other than about technologies, mobile workers also have rich experience in work culture (Ismail et al, 2016). A practical implication to managers is that they should capitalize on the accumulated knowledge of these professionals in KT and TT training program as trainers, consultants and subject-matter specialists and more so for mentoring initiative as a mentor-cum-leader in a specific technology dissemination and commercialization.…”

Social recognition and employee engagement: The effect of social media in organizations

“…Social capital has been acknowledged as a concept having significance to the study of "network social processes." 48,49 According to Burt, 50 the structure of the network is important, especially in social capital formation. The original information can be obtained by exploiting a network composed of low redundant contacts.…”

“…46 Both the structure and composition of these social networks have been proposed as potential sources of social capital. Bourdieu 47 defined social capital as “the aggregate of actual or potential resources which are linked to possession of a durable network of more or less institutionalized relationships of more or mutual acquaintance and recognition.” Social capital has been acknowledged as a concept having significance to the study of “network social processes.” 48,49 According to Burt, 50 the structure of the network is important, especially in social capital formation. The original information can be obtained by exploiting a network composed of low redundant contacts.…”

The Role of Contextual Factors in Knowledge Transfer in Transactional Projects

“…Influencing factors in the transfer of knowledge when the parties have no common national culture: 1-Trust 2-Cultural identity of individualism 3-Cultural-cultural parallelism 4-Distribution-openness to diversity Ismail et al [37] 2016…”