Knowledge Transfer by Repatriates : - a Case Study of Electrolux -

Abstract: Expatriates’ roles as knowledge senders are well known, but apart from this, expatriates can also acquire knowledge abroad. The repatriation process offers an opportunity to transfer and apply this knowledge back into the organization. However, few studies have been conducted with the purpose of mapping out how repatriates could contribute to the organization. This paper will explore how organizations can capture repatriates’ knowledge and the research will be carried out by a case study on the well-known company Electrolux. The expected contributions of this paper are to create an increased awareness of the neglected repatriation process and to broaden the current repatriation research base by investigating a Swedish multinational company. An effective repatriation process based on theory will be discussed and a model for knowledge transfer by repatriates will be presented and extended by conducting interviews with a HR manager and repatriates. We argue that an effective repatriation process will serve to reduce repatriates’ uncertainty and anxiety. In our case study the repatriates will transfer knowledge whether they are aware of it or not and independent of the organization’s receptivity, since they are still able to transfer knowledge on an on-going basis trough their daily work.