Management Papers
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of this Version
1-2008
Publication Source
Organization Science
Volume
19
Issue
1
Start Page
90
Last Page
107
DOI
10.1287/orsc.1070.0264
Abstract
Applying a new theoretical and empirical approach to intrafirm knowledge transfers, this paper provides some initial insight to the little-researched phenomenon of why some subsidiaries are isolated from knowledge-transfer activities within the multinational corporation (MNC). Knowledge transfer is framed as a problemistic search process initiated by the recipient unit. We show that knowledge flows from units that are perceived to be highly capable to units that perceive themselves to be highly capable. Knowledge flows are also associated with existing levels of communication and reciprocity. Taken together, these findings suggest that knowledge transfers in MNCs typically occur between highly capable members of an “in crowd,” and the isolated minority rarely, if ever, engages in knowledge-sharing activities. Finally, we show that the isolated minority underperforms other subsidiaries, suggesting the possibility of a “liability of internal isolation.”
Keywords
knowledge flows, multinational management, subsidiary performance, subsidiary isolation, perception gaps, behavioral theory of the firm
Recommended Citation
Monteiro, L., Arvidsson, N., & Birkinshaw, J. (2008). Knowledge Flows Within Multinational Corporations: Explaining Subsidiary Isolation and Its Performance Implications. Organization Science, 19 (1), 90-107. http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/orsc.1070.0264
Included in
Business Administration, Management, and Operations Commons, International Business Commons
Date Posted: 27 November 2017
This document has been peer reviewed.