Transnational Transfer of Strategic Organizational Practices: A Contextual Perspective

TLDR

The study investigates how multinational firms transfer strategic organizational practices across borders. Using a cross‑disciplinary, multilevel model, the authors conceptualize transfer success as institutionalization at the recipient unit and identify country‑, organization‑, and individual‑level factors that reflect social, organizational, and relational embeddedness. The research highlights theoretical and practical implications for understanding and improving transnational transfer of strategic practices.

Abstract

To examine the phenomenon of the transnational transfer of strategic organizational practices within multinational companies. I use a cross-disciplinary approach. After conceptualizing the success of a transfer as the institutionalization of the practice at the recipient unit. I develop a multilevel model of transfer success, based on the notion of the contextual embeddedness of the process of transfer. I propose that three sets of factors at three levels—country, organization, and individual—affect transfer success reflecting social, organizational, and relational embeddedness. Finally, I discuss the theoretical and practical implications of this research.