Tacit knowledge problem in multinational corporations: Japanese and US offshore knowledge incubators

Lam, Alice

(2008)

Lam, Alice (2008) Tacit knowledge problem in multinational corporations: Japanese and US offshore knowledge incubators.

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Abstract

This paper examines the ‘cognitive’ and ‘societal’ aspects of the tacit knowledge transfer problem in MNCs. Based on a comparative analysis of the overseas R&D labs of US and Japanese MNCs in the UK, it examines how home-based models of learning influence MNCs’ transnational social spaces for learning and their capabilities to address the tacit knowing problem. It illustrates how the US professional ‘networks of practice’ (NoP) and the Japanese organizational ‘communities of practice’ (CoP) approaches to transnational learning unfold in practice. It also examines how divergence between home and host country institutions governing knowledge production inhibits cross-societal tacit knowing.

Information about this Version

This is a Submitted version
This version's date is: 21/10/2008
This item is not peer reviewed

Link to this Version

https://repository.royalholloway.ac.uk/items/2207f901-e57a-53ea-7151-f089c0ed40f4/6/

Item TypeMonograph (Working Paper)
TitleTacit knowledge problem in multinational corporations: Japanese and US offshore knowledge incubators
AuthorsLam, Alice
Uncontrolled Keywordscomparative thinking, tacit knowledge, knowledge transfer in MNCs, innovation and R&D, organizational learning, communities of practice
DepartmentsFaculty of History and Social Science\Management
Research Groups and Centres\Management\Information and Communication Management

Identifiers

doihttp://dx.doi.org/SoM0805

Deposited by Research Information System (atira) on 03-Jul-2014 in Royal Holloway Research Online.Last modified on 03-Jul-2014

Notes

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The School also has about 60 research students attached to the various research groups. A strong theme of research in the School is its international and comparative focus.


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