The use of relational knowledge after repatriation, Case ABB Oy
Lahtinen, Elina (2004)
Kuvaus
Kokotekstiversiota ei ole saatavissa.
Tiivistelmä
The objectives of this study were to examine how relational knowledge can be used after repatriation. The study was led by 3 research questions of which the first two built the ground for the third one. The first and the third questions were about the relational knowledge, how to acquire and use it. The second question was about the expatriates expectations upon repatriation. The aim of this study was to raise a discussion about repatriation and the use of relational knowledge.
The research topic was chosen because despite the increasingly global environment of MNCs, repatriation is still overlooked by companies. Furthermore the relational knowledge the repatriates bring back with them is not acknowledged enough by the MNCs. It is important for the companies to begin taking more advantage out of the costly expatriate assignments.
The study was conducted first by examining the existing literature in the field of expatriation, repatriation and networks of relationships. A theoretical framework was drawn up to summarize the major findings of the literature overview and to act as a guideline for subsequent empirical research. Qualitative research method was used in order to collect data through 14 semi-structured in-depth interviews in one Finnish MNC, namely ABB Oy.
In light of the empirical findings of the study, it can be argued that the organization does not put enough attention to repatriation. This study also revealed how little the organization tries to take advantage of the expatriate experience and especially the relational knowledge of the repatriates. Two suggestions of two different kinds of databases to help in using the expatriates’ relational knowledge arouse from the study.
The research topic was chosen because despite the increasingly global environment of MNCs, repatriation is still overlooked by companies. Furthermore the relational knowledge the repatriates bring back with them is not acknowledged enough by the MNCs. It is important for the companies to begin taking more advantage out of the costly expatriate assignments.
The study was conducted first by examining the existing literature in the field of expatriation, repatriation and networks of relationships. A theoretical framework was drawn up to summarize the major findings of the literature overview and to act as a guideline for subsequent empirical research. Qualitative research method was used in order to collect data through 14 semi-structured in-depth interviews in one Finnish MNC, namely ABB Oy.
In light of the empirical findings of the study, it can be argued that the organization does not put enough attention to repatriation. This study also revealed how little the organization tries to take advantage of the expatriate experience and especially the relational knowledge of the repatriates. Two suggestions of two different kinds of databases to help in using the expatriates’ relational knowledge arouse from the study.