The intra-firm knowledge transfer in the outward M&A of EMNCs: Evidence from Chinese manufacturing firms

Qi Ai, Hui Tan

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Abstract

This paper examines the intra-firm transfer of tacit and explicit knowledge in the post-acquisition integration stage in the outward mergers and acquisitions (M&A) of multinational corporations from emerging economies (EMNCs). It also explores rationales underlying the tacit and explicit knowledge transfer in the cross-cultural context. Drawing from the empirical evidence of three Chinese firms’ outward M&A in three European countries, we argue the Chinese acquiring firms emphasised the transfer of explicit over tacit knowledge in the post-acquisition integration in their outward M&A. This can be attributed to complementarity in explicit knowledge, home market advantage, scarcity of key staff and cultural differences. 
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)399-425
Number of pages27
JournalAsia Pacific Journal of Management
Volume35
Issue number2
Early online date27 Jun 2017
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2018

Keywords

  • Mergers and acquisitions·Post-acquisition integration·Knowledge transfer·Absorptive capacity·EMNCs·China
  • knowledge transfer
  • post-M&A integration
  • EMNCs
  • China
  • Absorptive Capability

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