Organizational Design and Subsidiary-to-Parent Knowledge Transfer in MNCs: The Mediating Role of Parent Firm Attention
Type
conference paper
Date Issued
2013-09-30
Author(s)
Abstract
We offer a theory and empirical test of the relationship between formal organizational architecture and ‘reverse' (i.e. subsidiary-to-parent) knowledge transfers in multinational firms. Building on the attention-based view, seven propositions argue (a) that organizational architecture elements affect the extent to which a focal subsidiary receives attention from the MNC's parent firm, (b) that this extent of parent firm attention affects the extent of reverse knowledge transfers, and (c) that parent firm attention mediates the relationship between organizational architecture elements and reverse knowledge transfers. Testing hypotheses on three aspects of formal organizational design (autonomy, assignment of international responsibilities, and competence-creating objectives in the subsidiary's mission) with a unique sample of about 300 subsidiaries, we find broad support for the theory and highlight implications for academia and practice.
Language
English
Keywords
Organizational Design
Attention-based View
Reverse Knowledge Transfer
Subsidiary-to-Parent Knowledge Transfer
Multinational Firms
Mediation
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
Yes
Book title
Strategy and Sustainability
Publisher
SMS Strategic Management Society
Publisher place
Chicago IL
Start page
8
Event Title
Strategic Management Societiy (SMS) 33rd Annual International Conference
Event Location
Atlanta
Event Date
28.09-01.10.2013
Subject(s)
Division(s)
Eprints ID
243165