Mapalus as a Knowledge Transfer Practice to Improve Innovation Capability: Success or not Success?

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to describe the relationship between local Mapalus culture as a practical form of knowledge transfer from academic literature. Theoretical framework: Knowledge nowadays is considered valuable and can keep increasing along with its use. Therefore, knowledge transfer was believed to be an essential factor in implementing knowledge resources and fostering innovation in organizations. Knowledge transfer is a form of information, expertise, experience, idea, and suggestion exchange, which is thought to have a relationship with the Mapalus culture. Therefore, it is also presumed that mapalus is knowledge transfer in practices. Method/design/approach: Literature review approach to see the deeper links between knowledge transfer and local culture mapalus and interviews with several knowledge management experts and mapalus cultural experts. Results and conclusion: The study found contradictory results relating to mapalus. Several national researchers explain that mapalus culture is still well implemented; some researchers explain mapalus has started to lose its original identity due to the entry of financial transactions. Research implications: contradictory research about mapalus raises doubts that knowledge transfer could be practiced through mapalus cultural activities that may not be able to foster innovation capabilities in society and Mapalus' goal of reducing poverty may not be realized if lost its original identity. Originality/value: The present study is unique, where it offers the meaningful explanation mapalus culture and its relation on knowledge transfer in local society.