Competence Sharing in Transnational project teams of permanent character

Abstract: The purpose: The purpose of this paper is to enhance our knowledge on competence sharing in geographically distant and organizationally autonomous units for better and enhance performance of transnational projects that takes a more permanent character. Methodology: A multiple case study approach was employed with primary source of data obtained through a qualitative in-depth interview with some employees at different management levels. Findings: We found out that both technical and business competences/knowledge of an individual is very important in determining success in transnational team. Horizontal integration can assist in strengthening competencies of the subsidiaries and enhance their innovative capability. We did find out that knowledge sharing will play important role in transnational project by enhance the integration process in team since it will help to develop shared understanding among participants. Project Performance appraisal system should include facilitating knowledge sharing process as integral part of performance monitoring activities. Research Implication: This study will contribute to the body knowledge on transnational project since majority of the previous work focus on team which takes a temporary character; however, this study shows how to reinforce competence sharing in transnational team that takes a more permanent character. Practicality of the work: will be seen in enabling managers to view individual and organizational level competence as an equally important capability and the necessary set up should there in order to build and sustain the unique resource base of the organization. Furthermore, it will give an opportunity for performance monitoring activity to be devised in such a way that it should be able to appreciate any kind of competence sharing within the team.