The Dynamics of Cross-Cultural Management Knowledge Transfer: from Taiwan to the Philippines

This study exploresthe under-researched phenomenonof cross-cultural management knowledge transfer. Although knowledge has been recognized by management scholars as a critical base of competitive advantage[13], it is not clear how firms could effectively manage the transfer of management knowledge, especially in a cross-cultural context. Twelve Taiwanese multinational companies (MNCs) in the Philippinesare interviewed to approach an understandingof the dynamics of cross-cultural transfer of management knowledge from Taiwan to the Philippines. The results of data analysis echo prior research [1]hthat the cross-cultural transfer of management knowledge may take long time to implement, is not a straightforward process, and is culture-bond in nature.It is also found that, while large MNCs may adopt formal approaches of knowledge transfer, the multinational SMEsare more flexible and interactivein their management practice. Over time, adaptation and localizationare seen with the Taiwanese both in their management practice and personal lives.This research contributes to the understanding of the cross-cultural transfer of management knowledge processes in the ASEAN region, where a new regionalization is coming into formation with a lack of management talents to ensure the success of the MNCs in the region,which demands effective cross-cultural transfer of management knowledge.