It takes two to tango: Knowledge transfer between expatriates and host country nationals

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu‐Shan Hsu ◽  
Yu‐Ping Chen ◽  
Flora F. T. Chiang ◽  
Margaret A. Shaffer
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Host Country ◽  
Host Country Nationals

scholarly journals An Exploratory Study of Challenges Faced by Expatriates in Knowledge Transfer while Working in Pakistan

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-35
Author(s):  
Maliha Elahi ◽  
Sabeen Hussain Bhatti ◽  
Shazia Nauman
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Host Country ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Verbal Communication ◽  
Ranking Method ◽  
Work Permit ◽  
Host Country Nationals

This research focuses on identifying the challenges faced by expatriates during knowledge transfer. Further it investigates the tools employed by these expatriates in facilitating knowledge transfer to the host country nationals. Fifteen challenges identified by Singhapong and Muenjohn (2008) that expatriates face and which affect their work (including knowledge transfer) in Thailand, have been taken for relevance to expatriates in Pakistan. Knowledge transfer tools identified by Smith (2004) have been taken for the purpose of this study to assess if these factors also apply to Pakistan. Data was collected from 26 respondents of four nationalities. Ranking method was employed using mean and standard deviation to rank the knowledge transfer tools and challenges faced by expatriates. Results demonstrate that restrictions on work permit were the biggest challenge faced by expatriates while working here in Pakistan. Verbal communication was found as the highly ranked knowledge transfer tool employed by expatriates through which host country nationals learn. This applied exploratory study contributes to the literature on knowledge management for Pakistan that will enable future in depth research in this area.

The impacts of inward knowledge transfer and absorptive capacity on the turnover of host country nationals in MNE subsidiaries: a multilevel modeling approach

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin Suk Park ◽  
Jae Yoon Chang ◽  
Taehun Lee
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Host Country ◽  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Critical Factor ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Host Country Nationals ◽  
Nonlinear Trends ◽  
Multilevel Survival Analysis ◽  
Actual Turnover

Purpose This study aims to find how the turnover of host country nationals (HCNs) would be affected by the knowledge transfer from a headquarter to a subsidiary. Knowledge transfer in a multinational corporation (MNC) has been discussed as a critical factor in the MNC’s success. Because HCNs are essential to synergizing with a new knowledge inflow during this knowledge transfer process, their turnover entails negative consequences such as knowledge loss. Design/methodology/approach This paper empirically tests the unbalance between knowledge received (KR) and absorptive capacity (AC) as the most critical organizational predictor by using the secondary longitudinal records and survey data of 4,915 employees. Multilevel survival analysis is used to calculate the individuals’ turnover hazard. Findings While finding that the primary effect of transferred knowledge is to reduce turnover, the study demonstrates the unbalance between a subsidiary’s AC and KR increases the likelihood of HCNs’ turnover within the organization. The authors also recognize the possibility of nonlinear trends of KR and AC on the turnover hazard. Originality/value The authors answer how knowledge transfer shapes a subsidiary’s work environment to prevent or increase turnover, which has been barely examined for HCNs who comprise the crucial demographic group in knowledge transfer. To enhance the originality further, this study empirically observes the actual turnover of HCNs with a conceptually comprehensive view incorporating both learning and political approaches.

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

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 65-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maimunah Ismail ◽  
Sayang Syamira Sobri ◽  
Nuruf Afiqah Zulkifly ◽  
Siti Raba'ah Hamzah ◽  
Eriko Yamato
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Multinational Corporations ◽  
Host Country ◽  
Shared Vision ◽  
Social Capital Theory ◽  
Individual Factors ◽  
Capital Theory ◽  
Host Country Nationals ◽  
Uncertainty Management Theory

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.

scholarly journals Predictors of knowledge transfer between expatriates and host country nationals

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 199-215
Author(s):  
Nurul Afiqah Zulkifly ◽  
Maimunah Ismail ◽  
Siti Raba’ah Hamzah
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Host Country ◽  
Cultural Intelligence ◽  
Shared Vision ◽  
Social Capital Theory ◽  
Feedback Seeking ◽  
Capital Theory ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Host Country Nationals ◽  
Seeking Behavior

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influences of cultural intelligence, feedback-seeking behavior and shared vision as a mediator on bi-directional knowledge transfer involving expatriates and host country nationals (HCNs). Design/methodology/approach This paper integrates the signaling theory, the social capital theory and the anxiety and uncertainty theory in investigating the relationships between predictors and knowledge transfer in a bi-directional manner. The participants of the study were 125 expatriate-HCN pairs of MNCs and local organizations in the areas of Klang Valley, Malaysia. Findings Shared vision was found to significantly mediate the influences of cultural intelligence and feedback-seeking behavior on knowledge transfer as perceived by the respective respondents. Originality/value Co-existence between expatriates and HCNs leads to many organizational outcomes including knowledge transfer. This paper additionally provides theoretical and practical implications to human resource practices.

Knowledge Transfer Between Expatriate and Host Country Nationals: the Role of Self-construal

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 369-382 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milad Jannesari ◽  
Zhongming Wang ◽  
Phillip Brown ◽  
Jacob McCall
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Host Country ◽  
Shared Vision ◽  
Positive Relationships ◽  
Host Country Nationals ◽  
Intercultural Competencies ◽  
Self Construal

Our purpose in this paper was to investigate the role of self-construal by emphasizing 2 dimensions, namely the independent and interdependent views of self, as intercultural competencies that aid knowledge transfer and contribute to the enhancement of social capital between expatriates and host country nationals. Data were collected from 176 expatriates working in China, as well as 176 of their Chinese colleagues, all of whom completed measures of self-construal, frequency of interaction, trust, and shared vision. Further, supervisors rated their subordinates' knowledge sharing. The results revealed that for both sets of respondents, self-construal were facilitated by building positive relationships. This demonstrates the value of self-construal, revealing practical methods of developing social capital between expatriates and their host country colleagues as an instrumental means for knowledge transfer.

The categorization of expatriates and the support offered by host country nationals

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shirley C. Sonesh ◽  
Angelo S. DeNisi
Keyword(s):  
Host Country ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Host Country Nationals ◽  
Group Members ◽  
Expatriate Assignments ◽  
The Right ◽  
National Stereotypes

Purpose – Although several authors have suggested that host country nationals (HCNs) play an important role in the management of expatriates (e.g. Toh and DeNisi, 2003; Farh et al., 2010), research has also suggested that this relationship is not always good, and the flow of critical information to expatriates can be limited. This is especially true when HCNs categorize the expatriates as “out-group” members. The purpose of this paper is to examine potential determinants of categorization decisions as well as potential outcomes related to expatriate socialization. Design/methodology/approach – The paper employs a dyadic survey approach to determine the antecedents to expatriate categorization and HCN socialization behaviors from the perspective of both the expatriate and HCN. Findings – The results of survey data from 65 expatriate-HCN dyads indicated that expatriate ethnocentrism and the salience of the expatriates’ nationality were important predictors of categorization, but that categorization was related to only one dimension of socialization. However, affect was found to play a role in predicting socialization behaviors. Research limitations/implications – There is potential selection bias since expatriates chose HCNs as respondents, but results suggested this was not a serious problem. Other limitations include a relatively small sample size and the fact that a number of contextual issues such as national stereotypes and MNC strategy, are not controlled for. Practical implications – Implications of these findings for the successful management of expatriate assignments include sending over expatriates with the right relational skills, and those low in ethnocentrism, rather than just the right technical skills. Originality/value – The present study was one of the first to empirically test the potential role of categorization in the process of socialization.

scholarly journals Early global Trotters and their entrepreneurial employment practices

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 378-384 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qianqian Chai ◽  
Cherry Wun Mei Cheung ◽  
Caleb Kwong
Keyword(s):  
Host Country ◽  
Multinational Enterprises ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Wage Differential ◽  
Governance Structure ◽  
Employment Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Blue Book ◽  
Host Country Nationals ◽  
Internal Context

Purpose Questions have often been asked of the ethicality of multinational enterprises (MNEs) with the conducts of many being classified as exploitative. This is particularly so the internal context, where MNEs are often reluctant to employ host country nationals at important positions and treat their host and parent countries employees differently. This study aims to examine whether the locals are really getting the raw end of the deal. Design/methodology/approach Utilising a unique record book that is available about the employment details of civil servants in Hong Kong known as the blue book, this study intends to examine whether first-moving multinational organisations treated their local employees in an ethical and reasonable manner, for the employees entering the service between 1845-1850. Findings The data suggests that, overall, host country nationals earn much less than not only the British but also those from third countries. Moreover, parent country nationals were placed at important officer and supervisory roles, as oppose to host country nationals at the bottom, forming a typically ethnocentric governance structure (Perlmutter, 1969). Furthermore, even divided by grade, the starting salary difference between host and parent country nationals remain considerable. However, the reason for this is complex, and the authors do not have a quick and precise answer as to whether there has been discrimination. Research limitations/implications The findings perhaps explain the dilemma faced by the early-movers because they tend to feel the strong need of adopting an ethnocentric approach, which can be extremely costly as a result of the large wage differential. A balance needs to be struck between this and utilising host country nationals, which might not necessarily possess all the essential qualities but might be cheaper. Originality/value This is the first study examining the employment practices of fast-moving MNEs.

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