scholarly journals Conceptualizing knowledge transfer between expatriates and host country nationals: The mediating effect of social capital

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 1101803 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maimunah Ismail ◽  
Tahir Nisar
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Host Country ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Host Country Nationals

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.

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.

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.

Intellectual capital, knowledge management and social capital within the ICT sector in Jordan

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 437-462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bushra Meaad Ramadan ◽  
Samer Eid Dahiyat ◽  
Nick Bontis ◽  
Mahmoud Ali Al-dalahmeh
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Knowledge Acquisition ◽  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Information And Communications Technology ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Intensive

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the mediating effect of social capital (SC) on knowledge management (KM) and intellectual capital (IC). Design/methodology/approach A conceptual model of the connections between IC, KM, and SC was developed and the posited hypotheses were tested using a survey data set of 281 questionnaires collected from knowledge workers working in 72 information and communications technology companies operating in Jordan. Findings The findings show that knowledge documentation and knowledge transfer emerged as having the strongest effects on IC, followed by knowledge acquisition and knowledge creation, while knowledge application was found to have an insignificant effect. Also, knowledge transfer and knowledge acquisition emerged as the only two significant processes for the development of SC. Moreover, SC was found to partially and significantly mediate the effects of all processes on IC. Practical implications To promote the development of IC, particularly, in a knowledge-intensive business service (KIBS) sector, documentation, transfer, acquisition, and creation of knowledge are especially effective processes. Furthermore, SC can be significantly enhanced through ensuring effective internal knowledge transfer and acquisition practices. Nurturing IC in a knowledge-intensive context can also be significantly enhanced through looking at the firm as a cooperative knowledge-sharing entity, i.e. investing in SC. Originality/value This is the first empirical study that has examined the links among KM processes, SC, and IC in a KIBS sector within an “oil-poor,” “human resource-rich” Arab developing country context.

scholarly journals Understanding the Impact of Social Capital on the Innovation Performance of Construction Enterprises: Based on the Mediating Effect of Knowledge Transfer

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 5099
Author(s):  
Qing’e Wang ◽  
Luwei Zhao ◽  
Alice Chang-Richards ◽  
Yuanyuan Zhang ◽  
Hujun Li
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Innovation Performance ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Construction Firms ◽  
Construction Enterprises ◽  
The Impact

In knowledge economy era, enterprise needs to innovate to maintain its advantages and competitiveness. Construction enterprises, being pillars of China’s economy and confronting the challenge brought by the strategy of “going out”, the call for their technology or management innovation was broadly pronounced across practical and academic fields. Social capital (SC), as a resource in a social network, is the basis for creating sustainable competitiveness and advantage for enterprises. The innovative achievements and innovation performance (IP) of enterprises are largely determined by their SC. To achieve competitiveness in the market, enterprises must carry out knowledge transfer (KT) with the other members of their networks. However, few scholars have examined weather SC has any effect on IP in construction enterprises. Using a KT perspective, this paper explored how SC affects the IP of construction enterprises. Based on the literature review and analysis, a conceptual model was constructed and validated using structural equation modeling (SEM). Through empirical analysis, the following conclusions were drawn: (1) SC has a positive impact on the IP of construction enterprises. Among them, the structural dimension (SD) and cognitive dimension (CD) have a significant positive impact on the IP of construction enterprises, while the relational dimension (RD) does not. (2) The SD, CD, and RD of construction enterprises’ SC have a positive influence on KT. (3) There are mediating effects of KT between SC and IP of construction firms, and they are partial. KT plays a partial mediating effect between SD, CD, and IP of construction firms. The research results can not only improve an understanding of effects of SC on IP of construction enterprises, but also validate the importance of KT in stimulating IP.

scholarly journals Beyond nationality

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 269-284
Author(s):  
Chipoong Kim ◽  
Chul Chung ◽  
Chris Brewster
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Host Country ◽  
Multinational Enterprises ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
International Experience ◽  
Knowledge Flows ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Host Country Nationals ◽  
Subsidiary Managers ◽  
Third Country Nationals

Purpose The literature on international staffing in multinational enterprises (MNEs) often focuses on staffing choices based on nationality categories (e.g. parent-country nationals, host-country nationals, third-country nationals) for key positions in subsidiaries when examining their impacts on subsidiary outcomes. Considering both nationality and international experience, the purpose of this paper is to suggest an integrative typology to identify and classify various types of traditional and alternative subsidiary staffing options and evaluate them in relation to social capital and knowledge flows across MNE organizations. Design/methodology/approach Based on a social capital view of MNEs, the authors propose a typology of subsidiary staffing options founded on the dimensions of nationality and the location of prior international experience of incumbents of key positions. Then traditional as well as alternative staffing options from the literature are identified and evaluated corresponding to each type of staffing option in the framework. Findings The typology identifies nine types of subsidiary staffing options. It includes and classifies the traditional and alternative staffing options, while highlighting types which need further research. The study also suggests impacts of the traditional and alternative staffing type on social capital and knowledge flows in MNEs. Originality/value The new typology identifies various types of subsidiary staffing options comprehensively and evaluates them systematically. HRM specialists can classify subsidiary managers based on the typology and examine which staffing option would be desirable given a specific subsidiary context. The research also provides novel insights on what needs to be considered to select and develop subsidiary managers who can build internal and external social capital in MNEs.

scholarly journals Social capital, language and host country nationals (HCNs) as global talent

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryam Bala Kuki ◽  
Susan Kirk ◽  
Maranda Ridgway
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Host Country ◽  
Social Constructionism ◽  
International Travel ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Host Country Nationals ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
The Social ◽  
Purposive Sample

PurposeIn expatriate-reliant countries, the challenge of attracting and retaining overseas talent remains, despite the COVID-19 global pandemic restricting international travel. Expatriates depend on formal organizational and host country national (HCN) support to facilitate their adjustment when moving abroad. To date, there has been a limited focus on the centrality of language in spanning boundaries between HCNs and expatriates that enables bridges to be formed. This study explored how language influences the social capital accrual and the support received by expatriates from HCNs.Design/methodology/approachRooted in social constructionism, the authors used semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 20 Nigerian HCNs from two Italian organizations in the construction industry.FindingsThe findings highlight how language is key to effective social capital bridging and show how HCNs act as boundary spanners between local talent and expatriates on assignment. In this study, HCNs have superior language skills and can thus fill the semantic void in communication between the two parties. It emerged that expatriates receive more significant support and higher levels of social capital accrual than HCNs from this relationship.Practical implicationsConsideration should be given to providing formal language training to both expatriates and HCNs. Embedding networking relationships, such as buddying schemes or reverse mentoring, would enhance the social capital of both parties and improve performance. In addition, global talent management policies should be adjusted to provide definitive career paths and clearer promotion criteria for HCNs.Originality/valueThe authors find that through their language ability, HCNs may have more power over expatriates than previously considered, repositioning their status from a talent perspective. The authors argue that expatriates should not be considered by organizations the only source of global talent in such a context, and that organizations need to offer more definitive talent policies and support that accounts for both expatriates and HCNs.

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.

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
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