How to improve an organization's desorptive capacity to facilitate knowledge transfer : A single case study at a multinational organization operating in transfer projects

Abstract: Purpose - The purpose of this study is to describe how to improve an organization’s desorptive capacity to facilitate knowledge transfer in transfer projects. Method - This research was conducted as a single case study, with an abductive approach, were the unit of analysis has been transfer projects. The empirical data collection has been qualitative and was conducted through 20 semi-structured interviews. The interviews were held at the case company with project managers, sub-project managers and project members to widen the experience of everyone involved in transfer projects. A thematic analysis was utilized to possess the empirical data. Result - We found that it is essential to evaluate critical factors in the identification of a transfer project and utilize managerial tools to facilitate the application of the knowledge transferred to the recipient. We have created a framework that show the correlations between the evaluation of the critical factors and the utilization of the managerial tools, categorized in organizational practices. Depending on the evaluation of the critical factors, resources need to be allocated to specific organizational practices. This will result in an improvement of an organization’s desorptive capacity. Theoretical contribution - This report contributes to the literature by filling the gap regarding how to improve organizations’ desorptive capacity to facilitate knowledge transfer in transfer projects. We have identified the critical aspects of desorptive capacity andcontributed with a framework that can be adapted by organizationsto improve their desorptive capacity. Managerial implications - The findings in this study have potential to increase the awareness among organizations about the initial phase of transfer projects and contribute to an increased understanding of how an organization can improve their desorptive capacity. It is recommended to utilize the presented framework in this report to take advantages of the correlations found between the critical factors and the organizational practices.