The influential factors and consequences of knowledge sharing for expatriates

Abstract

PurposeAs the dynamic competition in the global marketplace becomes increasingly severe, multinational firms have no choice but to improve their competitive advantages and enhance productivity through innovation, learning and leadership. One essential issue is the capability of expatriates to support knowledge sharing and transfer from organizations headquarter to their subsidiaries through expatriates; however, there are few studies on this issue. This study attempts to identify the antecedents, consequences and moderators of knowledge sharing.Design/methodology/approachUsing a questionnaire survey approach, data were obtained from 234 expatriates working for Taiwanese multinational enterprises. The hypotheses were tested by SmartPLS 3.0.FindingsThe empirical results indicate that opportunity and ability have a significant impact on expatriates' knowledge sharing. Trust, commitment and social capital also have significant influences on expatriates' collecting and donating of knowledge. The level of tacitness, specificity and complexity of knowledge have a negatively impact on knowledge sharing. Knowledge collecting can positively promote the outcome of knowledge sharing, including learning and growth, internal process, customer satisfaction, and financial performance. Furthermore, organizational support and the richness of transmission channels served as two of the moderators that can amplify the influences of the antecedents on knowledge sharing and the influences of knowledge sharing on outcomes.Originality/valueThe results of this study can provide valuable references for academicians and professionals when deciding how to facilitate knowledge transfer from the company headquarters to subsidiaries through expatriates.