Knowledge Sharing Through Expatriate Relationships: A Social Capital Perspective

Abstract

In this paper, knowledge sharing in expatriate relationships is explored from a social capital perspective, and it is argued that expatriate relationships provide strong ties that function as channels of knowledge sharing across borders. The empirical results of an exploratory case study show that when compared with other more arm's-length cross-border relationships, expatriate relationships have several typical characteristics that have direct consequences for knowledge sharing. First, expatriate relationships are, on average, richer and longer term than arm's-length cross-border relationships, creating more opportunities for knowledge sharing. They also have a higher multiplying effect, spreading ties more effectively across new units. Second, they are characterized by a higher level of trust and multiplexity, driven by shared experience, physical proximity, and prolonged face-to-face interaction. Finally, a lengthened participation in the assignment unit typically leads to a higher level of shared cognitive ground, effectively facilitating knowledge sharing. It is suggested that expatriation may have a sustained effect on knowledge sharing within the multinational corporation (MNC) beyond the knowledge transfer perspective discussed in previous research.