Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
7413186 | Journal of World Business | 2018 | 18 Pages |
Abstract
The MNE integration literature lacks coherence in the use and effectiveness of different integration mechanisms. In this study, we use meta-analytic techniques to quantitatively synthesize and evaluate the impact of centralization, formalization and socialization on knowledge transfer. Our analysis of 89 independent samples, including 15,506 subsidiaries, shows that socialization facilitates knowledge transfer more strongly than centralization and formalization. Socialization substitutes for formalization's positive impact, and mitigates centralization's negative impact on knowledge transfer. We further identify that directionality of knowledge flows is key in explaining the impact of centralization mechanisms. Finally, we point out important systemic problems in current empirical research.
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Authors
Rong Zeng, Birgitte Grøgaard, Piers Steel,