Knowledge transfer between two geographically distant action research teams

Abstract

Purpose – The objective of this study is to observe and document the transfer of a train the trainers program in knife sharpening and steeling. This knowledge transfer involved two groups of researchers: the experts and the learners. These groups are from geographically dispersed regions and evolve in distinct contexts by their language and culture.Design/methodology/approach – The paper favors the learning history (LH) technique, a methodology that enabled the different participants to share their experience through reiterate interviews.Findings – Based on the dynamic knowledge transfer capacity model, the absorptive capacity of the train the trainers process appears to have been mobilized. Although there were a number of hitches, people are confident that the project will be successful and that they will put what they have learned to good use in upcoming phases to transfer this program to other organizations.Research limitations/implications – The conclusions apply solely to a context of interprovincial...