A multilevel process view of organizational knowledge transfer: enablers versus barriers

Abstract

The importance of knowledge as a strategic asset for organizations has been recognized by both researchers and practitioners. To gain a competitive advantage, firms are required to effectively manage their knowledge resources. The most central activity in managing knowledge is to ensure its transfer within and between organizations. Knowledge transfer (KT) has thus been recognized as a key component of the knowledge management processes. The purpose of this research is to provide a holistic view of the KT barriers and enablers within an organization, from a multilevel and process-based perspectives. We first review the extant literature to identify the key enablers and barriers to KT. Second, we develop a multilevel conceptualization of enablers and barriers that can influence KT at different levels – individual, team/exchange and organization. The proposed model improves current understanding of KT by offering a holistic and integrated view of enablers and barriers.