Determinants of Knowledge Transfer: Expatriate Competencies and Local Staff Absorptive Capacity

Knowledge transfer has the potential to improve organization and staff performance as it facilitates the learning between knowledge holders and knowledge seekers. However, the success of this depends on several factors. Thus, this study has discussed the determinants of successful knowledge transfer that are specific for expatriate competencies and local in knowledge transfer. More importantly, these determinants were classified into four categories which include knowledge attributes, knowledge sender attributes, knowledge receiver attributes (absorptive capacity), and organizational attributes. In this regard, this study contributes to the current knowledge transfer literatures by highlighting the main determinants of the knowledge transfer, allowing for a deeper understanding of the determinants that prevent people from transferring their expertise. Moreover, it emphasizes the vital role of expatriates in knowledge transfer. Finally, this study provides a discussion on the limitations and offers promising areas for future studies.