KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT IN MULTINATIONAL COMPANIES: REVIEW AND THEORETICAL ANALYISIS

Abstract

This article offers a summary of the foundations of the knowledge management literature referring to subsidiaries of multinational companies. We look at the way in which the literature on managing knowledge has evolved, and investigate how the streams have built upon each other. We also examine the literature in the light of different management fields, revealing similarities and differences between the distinct research areas. Based on 98 reviewed articles, we build a theoretical framework for a better organization and understanding of MNC related knowledge management literature. Finally, using this framework, we look into the potential future research directions of the field.

Keywords

• Knowledge transfer
• Knowledge management
• Absorptive capacity