Decoding the triad: Knowledge Management, IHRM practices in MNCs & Foreign Subsidiaries – A Systematic Literature Review (2006-2019
Keywords:
knowledge management, knowledge sharing, knowledge transfer, international human resource management, IHRM practices.Abstract
In today’s world, with rapid technological advancement and the blurring lines of nationality, the recent generation entering the workforce employees are less restricted geographically, and more attuned to being a “global villager”. Managing such a workforce requires different HRM practices. As more and more organizations go international, their strategy gets modified, which in turn shapes the HRM policies and practices. Thus, to manage the global workforce, consisting of parent country nationals, host country nationals and many a times third country nationals, IHRM practices requires continuous upgradation. As employees are the epitome knowledge bearers, especially tacit knowledge, understanding the nuances of knowledge management and how it is being affected in MNCs and IHRM practices followed in them, has become key essential for sustainability and continuity of the organization. Hence, through critically reviewing the extant literature (2006–2019), the author addresses the above-mentioned issues and identifies possible areas of future research.
Downloads
References
]. Adenfelt, M. and Lagerström, K. (2006). “Knowledge development and sharing in multinational corporations; the case of centre of excellence and trans-national teams”. International Business Review, 15, 381-400
. Ahlvik, C., and Björkman, I. (2015). “Towards explaining subsidiary implementation, integration, and internalization of MNC headquarters HRM practices”. International Business Review, 24(3), 497-505, DOI: 10.1016/j.ibusrev.2014.10.007
. Ambos, T.C., and Ambos, B. (2009). “The impact of distance on knowledge transfer effectiveness in multinational corporations”. Journal of International Management, 15, 1–14
. Bousseba, M., Sturdy, A., and Morgan, G. (2014). “Learning from the world? Horizontal knowledge flows and geopolitics in international consulting firms”. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 25(9), 1227–1242, http://dx.doi.org/ 10.1080/09585192.2013.826711
. Boyle, B. Nicholas, S. and Mitchell, R. (2015). “The Value of International Assignees’ Knowledge of Interpersonal Networks: Knowledge of People, Networks and Politics and Knowledge Flows in Multinational Enterprises”. Management International Review, 56, 425–454, DOI 10.1007/s11575-016-0278-7
. Brewster, C. and Suutari, V. (2005). “Global HRM: aspects of a research agenda”. Personnel Review, 34(1), 5-21
. Budhwar, P., Tung, R.L., Varma, A. and Do, H. (2017). “Developments in Human Resource Management in MNCs from BRICS Nations: A Review and Future Research Agenda”. Journal of International Management, 23, 111–123
. Caligiuri, P. (2014). “Many moving parts: Factors influencing the effectiveness of HRM practices designed to improve knowledge transfer within MNCs”. Journal of International Business Studies, 45(1), 63-72
. Cano-Kollmann, M., Cantwell, J., Hannigan, T., Mudambi, R., and Song, J. (2016). “Knowledge connectivity: An agenda for innovation research in international business”. Journal of Intternational Business Studies, 47, 255, https://doi.org/10.1057/jibs.2016.8
. Chang, C., and Lin, T. (2015). “The role of organizational culture in the knowledge management process”.
Journal of Knowledge Management, 19(3), 433-455, https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-08-2014-0353
. Chang, Y., and Smale, A. (2013) “Expatriate characteristics and the stickiness of HRM knowledge transfers”. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 24(12), 2394-2410, DOI: 10.1080/09585192.2013.781436
. Chiang, F.F.T., Lemański, M.K., and Birtch, T.A. (2017). “The transfer and diffusion of HRM practices within MNCs: lessons learned and future research directions”. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 28(1), 234–258
. Chen, J., Mahto, R.V., and Lovorn, A. (2013). “A Conceptual Framework of Knowledge Transfer within Multinational Corporations: A Strategic Orientation”. International Journal of Management, 30(4), 322-339
. Choi, S, and Jan, J. (2012). “Knowledge translation through expatriates in international knowledge transfer”. International Business Review, vol. 21(6), 1148-1157
. Ciravegna, L., Majano, S.B., and Zhan, G. (2014). “The inception of internationalization of small and medium enterprises: The role of activeness and networks”. Journal of Business Research, 67(6), Pages 1081-1089
. Cooke, F.L., Wood, G., Wang, M. and Veen, A. (2019). “How far has international HRM travelled? A systematic review of literature on multinational corporations (2000–2014)”. Human Resource Management Review, 29, 59–75
. Driffield, N., Love, J.H., and Menghinello, S. (2010). “The multinational enterprise as a source of international knowledge flows: Direct evidence from Italy”. Journal of International Business Studies, 41, 350–359
. Drucker, P.F. (1998). “Management and The World's Work”. Harvard Business Review
. Durst, S., and Edvardsson, I.R. (2012). “Knowledge management in SMEs: a literature review”, Journal of Knowledge Management, 16(6), 879-903, https://doi.org/10.1108/13673271211276173
. Fang, Y., Wade, M., Delios, A., and Beamish, P.W. (2013). “An exploration of multinational enterprise knowledge resources and foreign subsidiary performance”. Journal of World Business, 48(1), 30-38 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwb.2012.06.004
. Fletcher, M. and Harris, S. (2012). “Knowledge acquisition for the internationalization of the smaller firm: content and sources”. International Business Review, 21(4), 631-647 (doi:10.1016/j.ibusrev.2011.07.008)
. Gaur, A.J., Ma, H., and Ge, B. (2019) “MNC strategy, knowledge transfer context, and knowledge flow in MNEs”, Journal of Knowledge Management, https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-08-2018-0476
. Gope, S. Elia, G., and Passiante, G. (2018) “The effect of HRM practices on knowledge management capacity: a comparative study in Indian IT industry”. Journal of Knowledge Management, 22(3), pp.649-677, https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-10-2017-0453
. Guo, Y., Jasovska, P., Rammal, H.G., and Rose, E.L. (2018). “Global mobility of professionals and the transfer of tacit knowledge in multinational service firms”. Journal of Knowledge Management, https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-09-2017-0399
. Halawi, L. A., Aronson, J. E., & McCarthy, R. V. (2005). “Resource-Based View of Knowledge Management for Competitive Advantage”. The Electronic Journal of Knowledge Management, 3(2). Retrieved from https://commons.erau.edu/publication/319
. Harzing, A., Pudelko, M., and Reiche, S.B. (2016). “THE BRIDGING ROLE OF EXPATRIATES AND INPATRIATES IN KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER IN MULTINATIONAL CORPORATIONS”. Human
Resource Management, 55(4), 679–695, DOI:10.1002/hrm.21681
. Hong, J.K.L., and Nguyen, T.V. (). “Knowledge embeddedness and the transfer mechanisms in multinational corporations”. Journal of World Business, 44, 347-356
. Hong, J.F.L, and Vai, S. (2008). “Knowledge-sharing in crossfunctional virtual teams”. Journal of General Management (2), 21-37
. Horwitz, F. (2015). “Human resources management in multinational companies in Africa: a systematic literature review”. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 26(21), 2786-2809, DOI: 10.1080/09585192.2014.934899
. Jasimuddin, S.M., Li, J., and Perdikis, N. (2015). “Linkage between geographic space and knowledge transfer by multinational enterprises: a structural equation approach”. Annals of Regional Science, 54, 769–795 DOI 10.1007/s00168-015-0684-y
. Kong, L., Ciabuschi, F., and Martín Martín, O. (2018). “Expatriate managers' relationships and reverse knowledge transfer within emerging market MNCs: The mediating role of subsidiary willingness”. Journal of Business Research, 93(C), 216-229
. Kostova, T., Marano, V., Tallman, S. (2016). “Headquarters-subsidiary relationship: fifty years of evolving research”. Journal of World Business, 51, 176-184
. Latilla, V.M., Frattini, F., Petruzzelli, A.M., and Berner, M. (2018) “Knowledge management, knowledge transfer and organizational performance in the arts and crafts industry: a literature review”, Journal of Knowledge Management, 22(6), 1310-1331, https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-08-2017-0367
. Lauring J., and Zhang L.E. (2018). “Knowledge Sharing Across National Cultural Boundaries and Multinational Corporations”. In: Syed J., Murray P., Hislop D., Mouzughi Y. (eds) The Palgrave Handbook of Knowledge Management. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham
. Lee, Y., Pi-Ching Chen, P., and Chen, T. (2018). “INVISIBLE NETWORK OF KNOWLEDGE FOR HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT LITERATURE: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF HRM, IHRM,
SHRM, AND SIHRM STUDIES.” The International Journal of Organizational Innovation, 11(2), 85-98
. Liu, Y., Chan, C., Zhao, C., and Liu, C. (2019). “Unpacking knowledge management practices in China: do institution, national and organizational culture matter?”. Journal of Knowledge Management, 23(4), 619-643, https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-07-2017-0260
. Loon, M. (2019). “Knowledge management practice system: Theorising from an international meta-standard”.
Journal of Business Research, 94, 432-441, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2017.11.022
. Lučkaničová, M., and Oltra, V. (2014). “Unlocking the Catalysts for Organizational Development Program Success: A Case Study of Knowledge Management Challenges in an International Context”. Human Resource Management / Zarzadzanie Zasobami Ludzkimi, 51-66
. Lunnan, R., and Zhao, Y. (2014). “Regional headquarters in China: Role in MNE knowledge transfer”. Asia Pacific Journal of Management, 31,397–422, DOI 10.1007/s10490-013-9358-4
. McDonnell, A., Stanton, P., and Burgess, J. (2011). “Multinational enterprises in Australia: Two decades of international human resource management research reviewed”. Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources, 49(1), 9–35
. Michailova, S., and Mustaffa, Z. (2012) “Subsidiary knowledge flows in multinational corporations: Research accomplishments, gaps, and opportunities”. Journal of World Business, 47, 383–396
. Minbaeva, D.B. (2005) "HRM practices and MNC knowledge transfer". Personnel Review, 34(1), 125-144, https://doi.org/10.1108/00483480510571914
. Minbaeva, D.B., Makela, K. and Rabbiosi, L. (2012). “LINKING HRM AND KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER VIA INDIVIDUAL-LEVEL MECHANISMS”. Human Resource Management, 51(3), 387–405,
DOI:10.1002/hrm.21478
. Minbaeva, D.B., Pedersen, T., Björkman, I., Fey, C. F., and Park, H. J. (2003). “MNC Knowledge Transfer,
Subsidiary Absorptive Capacity, and HRM”. Journal of International Business Studies, 34(6), 586-599
. Minbaeva, D.B., Pedersen, T., Björkman, I., and Fey, C.F. (2014). “A retrospective on: MNC knowledge transfer, subsidiary absorptive capacity, and HRM”. Journal of International Business Studies, 45(1), 52-62
. Muqadas, F., Rehman, M., Aslam, U., and Ubaid- Ur-Rahman. (2017). “Exploring the challenges, trends and issues for knowledge sharing: A study on employees in public sector universities”. VINE Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems, 47(1), 2-15, https://doi.org/10.1108/VJIKMS-06-2016- 0036
. Nair, S.R., Demirbag, M. and Mellahi, K. (2016). “Reverse knowledge transfer in emerging market multinationals: The Indian context”. International Business Review, 25(1), 152-164. ISSN 0969-5931, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibusrev.2015.02.011
. Nonaka, I., and Takeuchi, H. (1995). “The knowledge-creating company: How Japanese companies create the dynamics of innovation.” New York, NY.
. Nonaka, I. & Peltokorpi, V. (2006). “Objectivity and Subjectivity in Knowledge Management: A Review of 20 Top Articles”. Knowledge and Process Management, 13(2), 73–82
. Park, K., and Mense-Petermann, U. (2014). “Managing Across Borders: Global Integration and Knowledge Exchange in MNCs”. Competition and Change, 18(3), 265–279
. Popaitoon, S., and SIengthai, S. (2014). “The moderating effect of human resource management practices on the relationship between knowledge absorptive capacity and project performance in project-oriented companies”. International Journal of Project Management, 32(6), 908-920
. Prahalad, C. K., & Hamel, G. (1990). “The Core Competence of the Corporation”. Harvard Business Review, 68(3), 79-91
. Przytuła, S., Rozkwitalska, M., Chmielecki, M., Sułkowski, L., and Basińska, B.A. (2018). “The knowledge transfer from the headquarters to local subsidiaries through expatriates – local employees’ perspective”. International Journal of Contemporary Management, 17(3), 207–239, doi:10.4467/24498939IJCM.18.032.9628
. Reiche, B. S. (2012). “Knowledge Benefits of Social Capital upon Repatriation: A Longitudinal Study of International Assignees”. Journal of Management Studies, 49(6), 1052-1077, doi: 10.1111/j.1467- 6486.2012.01050.x
. Reiche, S.B., Kraimer, M.L. and Harzing, A. (2008). “INPATRIATES AS AGENTS OF CROSS-UNIT KNOWLEDGE FLOWS IN MULTINATIONAL CORPORATIONS”. P. Sparrow (Ed.), Handbook of
International Human Resource Management: Integrating People, Process, and Context, 151-170. Oxford:
Wiley-Blackwell
. Riege, A. (2007). “Actions to overcome knowledge transfer barriers in MNCs”. Journal of Knowledge Management, 11(1), 48-67, https://doi.org/10.1108/13673270710728231
. Ritchie, W.J., Drew, S.A., Strite, M. Andrews, P. and Carter, J.E. (2011). “Application of a Learning Management System for Knowledge Management: Adoption and Cross‐ cultural Factors”. Knowledge and Process Management, 18(2), 75–84, DOI: 10.1002/kpm.371
. Sanchez-Vidal, M.E., Sanz-Valle, R., and Barba-Aragon, M.I. (2018). “Repatriates and reverse knowledge transfer in MNCs”. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 29(10), 1767-1785, DOI: 10.1080/09585192.2016.1216876
. Sandhu, M.S., and Ching, P.W. (2014). “Relationship between Individual Cultural Values and Knowledge Sharing in Selected Multinational Companies in Malaysia”. International Journal of Business and Economics, 13(1), 1-24
. Simonin, B., and Özsomer, S. AY. (2009). “KNOWLEDGE PROCESSES AND LEARNING OUTCOMES IN MNCS: AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE ROLE OF HRM PRACTICES IN FOREIGN
SUBSIDIARIES”. Human Resource Management, 48(4), 505– 530, DOI: 10.1002/hrm.20296
. Smale, A. (2008) "Global HRM integration: a knowledge transfer perspective", Personnel Review, 37(2), 145- 164, https://doi.org/10.1108/00483480810850515
. Vance, C.M., Vaiman, V. and Andersen, T. (2009). “THE VITAL LIAISON ROLE OF HOST COUNTRY NATIONALS IN MNC KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT”. Human Resource Management, 48(4), 649– 659, DOI: 10.1002/hrm.20307
. Vlajcic, D., Marzi, G., Caputo, A., and Dabic, M. (2019). “The role of geographical distance on the relationship between cultural intelligence and knowledge transfer”. Business Process Management Journal, 25(1), 104-125, https://doi.org/10.1108/BPMJ-05-2017-0129
. Vlajčić, D., Caputo, A., Marzi, G. and & Dabić, M. (2019). “Expatriates managers’ cultural intelligence as promoter of knowledge transfer in multinational companies”. Journal of Business Research, 94(C), 367-377
. Wang, S. and Noe, R.A. (2010). “Knowledge sharing: A review and directions for future research”. Human Resource Management Review 20, 115–131
. Wang‐ Cowham, C. (2008). “HR structure and HR knowledge transfer between subsidiaries in China”. The Learning Organization, 15(1), 26-44, https://doi.org/10.1108/09696470810842501
. Welch, D., and Bjorkman, I. (2015). “The Place of International Human Resource Management in International Business”. Management International Review, 55, 303–322, DOI 10.1007/s11575-014-0226-3
. Wijk, R., Jansen, J.J.P., and Lyles, M.A. (2008). “Inter- and Intra-Organizational Knowledge Transfer: A Meta-Analytic Review and Assessment of its Antecedents and Consequences”. Journal of Management Studies, 45(4), 830-853
. Williams, C., and Lee, S. H. (2016). “Knowledge flows in the emerging market MNC: the role of subsidiary HRM practices in Korean MNCs”. International Business Review, 25, 233-243, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ibusrev.2014.08.011
. Yamao, S., Cieri, H.D., and Hutchings, K. (2009). “TRANSFERRING SUBSIDIARY KNOWLEDGE TO GLOBAL HEADQUARTERS: SUBSIDIARY SENIOR EXECUTIVES’ PERCEPTIONS OF THE ROLE OF HR CONFIGURATIONS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF KNOWLEDGE STOCKS”. Human Resource Management, 48(4), 531-554, DOI: 10.1002/hrm.20297
. Zeng, R., Grøgaard, B., and Steel, P. (2018). “Complements or substitutes? A meta-analysis of the role of integration mechanisms for knowledge transfer in the MNE network”. Journal of World Business, 53, 415-432
. Zheng, W., Yang, B. and McLean, G. (2010). “Linking organizational culture, structure, strategy, and organizational effectiveness: Mediating role of knowledge management”. Journal of Business Research, 63(7), 763-771, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2009.06.005
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
You are free to:
- Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format for any purpose, even commercially.
- Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially.
- The licensor cannot revoke these freedoms as long as you follow the license terms.
Under the following terms:
- Attribution — You must give appropriate credit , provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made . You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
- No additional restrictions — You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.
Notices:
You do not have to comply with the license for elements of the material in the public domain or where your use is permitted by an applicable exception or limitation .
No warranties are given. The license may not give you all of the permissions necessary for your intended use. For example, other rights such as publicity, privacy, or moral rights may limit how you use the material.
