Towards a Model of Knowledge Transfer Measurement: A Review of Related Literature

Abstract

This paper reviews literature that highlights the different definitions and knowledge transfer measurements in organizations. The discussion reveals that knowledge transfer is very problematic to measure as there are many challenges posed by the differing measurements. We propose a four stage model of knowledge transfer that draws from Nonaka and Takeuchi (1995), and recommend that knowledge transfer could be measured at each of the four stages, namely Activation - events that trigger a decision to transfer, Transmission - actual exchange of information from the transferor to the transferee, Utilization - the recipient starts utilizing the transferred knowledge, and finally, the Institutionalization of best practices.