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A systematic review of the antecedents of knowledge transfer: an actant-object view

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journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 18:24 authored by Hamidreza Shahbaznezhad, Mona Rashidirad, Isaac Vaghefi
Purpose While numerous studies have studied knowledge transfer (KT) and endeavored to address factors influencing KT, little effort has been made to integrate the findings of prior studies. This paper aims to classify the literature on KT through a detailed exploration of different perspectives of KT inter and intra organizations. Design/methodology/approach Using actor–network theory (ANT) as the baseline, we conducted a systematic review of KT research to summarize prior KT studies and classify the influential factors on KT. The review covered 115 empirical articles published between 1987 and 2017. Findings Drawing on the review and ANT guidelines, the authors proposed a conceptual model to categorize KT constitutes into objects including those related to (1) knowledge, (2) knowledge exchange and (3) technology, as well as actants including those related to (4) organization, (5) team/business unit and (6) knowledge sender/receiver. Research limitations/implications Adopting a holistic synthesized approach based on ANT, this research puts forward a valid theoretical foundation on further understanding of KT and its antecedents. Indeed, this paper investigates KT inter and intra organizations to recognize and locate the key antecedents of KT, which is of substantial applicability in today’s knowledge-driven economy. Practical implications The findings advance managers and practitioners’ understanding of the important role of actants and objects and their interplay in KT practices. Originality/value While most studies on KT have a narrow focus, this research contributes to holistic understanding of motivational, behavioral, technological and organizational issues related to KT. It also offers a thorough and context-free literature review on KT, which synthesizes the findings of prior studies on KT.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Accepted version

Journal

European Business Review

ISSN

0955-534X

Publisher

Emerald

Issue

6

Volume

31

Page range

970-995

Department affiliated with

  • Strategy and Marketing Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2019-07-15

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2019-12-16

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2019-07-13

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