Absorbing knowledge:A study of knowledge flows from Nudie Jeans Headquarters to its Australian and South Korean partners

Abstract: Absorptive capacity (AC) has been researched widely and has emerged as a vital aspect in the knowledge transfer process. However, previous studies have identified a deficiency in the development of AC as to how it is absorbed in practice as well as a lack of qualitative studies. The aim of this study is to develop the understanding of how knowledge is absorbed by the receiving units in the context of cross border knowledge sharing. The research is based on a case study of Nudie Jeans and two of their external partners, namely Australia and South Korea. A field research, observations and 24 interviews were carried out in Sweden, Australia and South Korea with staff and managers at different hierarchical levels. The main outcomes of this study are that storytelling can be used to ease the ability of the receiver to absorb knowledge and apply it in their organization as well as that AC of the receiving unit needs to be investigated from different hierarchical levels as opposed to one sole organization.