Organizing international technological collaboration in subcontractor relationships: an investigation of the knowledge-stickiness problem

Abstract

Technological knowledge is often claimed to be context-bound and sticking to local surroundings. This paper investigates how technological knowledge can be exchanged in international subcontractor relationships, using relationship-oriented organizational practices. Seven hypotheses concerning such practices are tested. It is shown that the use of relationship-oriented practices varies with exports and the active development of subcontractors in product and process development activities. Moreover, international development-oriented subcontractors are more likely to use interpersonal exchange, electronic data interchange and formalized contracts than other types of subcontractors. Research implications as well as managerial implications are derived.