The cultural aspect of knowledge transfer between Sweden and Uganda/Tanzania

Abstract: This thesis is based on the problem of transferring knowledge across different cultures. It is a qualitative research, which takes place in Uganda and Tanzania, consisting of six interviews with participants from two batches in the Sida program, two observations and one workshop. The point of departure were two questions: 1) What cultural aspects affect the knowledge transfer within the Sida:s “Child Rights, Classroom and School Management Program”? and 2) How do the culture aspects affect the process of transferring knowledge between different cultures? The theories used to answer these questions are Hofstede’s cultural index, as well as a model which looks at knowledge flow as a function of five different factors. The research findings shows that knowledge transfer can be hindered when the knowledge is based on cultural values which are different from the receiving culture, and that people thus can be resistant towards absorbing this knowledge and thus embrace change. The sender (the participants from the Sida program) thus have to package and adjust the knowledge so that it fits the receiver’s cultural values and beliefs in order to facilitate knowledge transfer. This is achieved by taking baby steps, and adjusting the knowledge slowly.