Boundary spanners, HRM practices, and reverse knowledge transfer: The case of Chinese cross-border acquisitions

Yipeng Liu and Klaus Meyer

Journal of World Business, 2020, vol. 55, issue 2

Abstract: This paper investigates the role of boundary spanners in reverse knowledge transfer in EMNEs’ cross-border acquisitions. Applying a micro-foundational approach and building on boundary spanning as theoretical perspective, we conducted case studies of acquisitions by Chinese companies in Germany and the UK. We find reverse knowledge transfer is a collective endeavour that relies on both the ability and motivation of individual boundary spanners as well as team-based international collaborations. We propose a conceptual framework of reverse knowledge transfer with two mechanisms—enabling and materializing. Their successful implementation depends not only on the personal characteristics of boundary spanners, but on supportive HRM practices.

Keywords: Boundary spanner; Reverse knowledge transfer; Micro-foundation; HRM practices; Chinese cross-border acquisitions; Europe (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (50)

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DOI: 10.1016/j.jwb.2018.07.007

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