| Author | Zehmisch, Michael |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.SM-00-01 |
| Subject(s) | Knowledge management
|
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Administration |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Knowledge has become the most important factor for sustainable competitive advantages of firms. However, little is known of the systematics, how knowledge transfers takes place in large international corporations. This paper attempts to yield new insights into intra-MNC knowledge transfer and propose a framework which can be used to classify subsidiaries based on their importance in value added processes. Recent literature in the field of knowledge transfer attempted to advance variables positively effecting transfer capabilities. So far little research has concentrated on social/cultural aspects in explaining differences in knowledge transfer capabilities, even if an increased amount of literature and corporate knowledge managers questioning the appropriateness of other factors, like IT and formal organization characteristics, in influencing the intensity of knowledge transfer. Past research also assumed a general value creation through increased levels of knowledge transfers for all units in a corporation, thus using a feasibility view. The feasibility view is supported by the general notion of knowledge as the only sustainable competitive advantage for corporation. However, this paper will suggest that it is crucial to add a value view, explaining systematic differences of knowledge transfer levels within subsidiaries of large corporations. It will be argued that these differences are partially founded in the corporate unit's role in the value creation process of the organization, rather than the inability of increasing knowledge flows. A new set of subsidiary roles based on the predominant nature of information and knowledge in- and outflows is introduced enabling companies to map the importance of subsidiaries in a knowledge value chain and will help to determine the appropriate intensity of knowledge flows for each subsidiary. An empirical study within subsidiaries of MNC will test factors influencing knowledge transfers and also yields an insight into the innovation capability of different subsidiary roles, thus providing a basis for further research into the value view perspective of knowledge flows. |
| Year | 2000 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Management (SOM) |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Master of Business Administration (MBA) (Publication code=SM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Raub, Steffen; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Igel, Barbara;Swierczek, Fredric W.; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | European Union; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.B.A.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2000 |