Reverse knowledge transfer from subsidiaries to MNCs in Korea: size matters

Kum-Sik Oh, John R. Anchor and Gap-Yeon Jeong

International Journal of Multinational Corporation Strategy, 2016, vol. 1, issue 3/4, 179-203

Abstract: This paper attempts to identify the effects of knowledge transfer capacity and relational capital on the reverse transfer of local market information from subsidiaries within MNC networks. In particular, we try to examine the different influences of those determinants in organisations of different sizes. By using Spearman rank order correlation coefficients, we find that the key drivers for large subsidiaries are knowledge development capability, subsidiary autonomy and trust between subsidiaries and MNCs. The key drivers for medium-size firms are subsidiary willingness, trust and organisational distance. In the case of small firms, reverse knowledge transfer is driven by knowledge development capability, subsidiary autonomy and socialisation mechanisms. We believe that these findings offer valuable implications for both MNC managers and also for theory.

Keywords: multinational corporations; MNCs; reverse knowledge transfer; RKT; local market information; LMI; knowledge transfer capacity; KTC; relational capital; MNC subsidiaries; South Korea; local markets; knowledge development capability; subsidiary autonomy; trust; subsidiary willingness; organisational distance; socialisation. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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