Inter-Unit Knowledge Transfer within an MNC: A Single Case Study in Wärtsilä Ship Power

Abstract

Knowledge transfers have received increasing attention over the last years in both academic and corporate practices. Knowledge is seen as a key strategy in the competitive business world. Understanding the knowledge transfer process and the factors that can impact its success is one of the big challenges to organizations.

The main objective of this study is to understand the knowledge transfer process among the employees of the Supply Management department of Wärtsilä Ship Power. Hence, it will enhance understanding and provide insights that can help to manage knowledge transfers inside this unit. The theoretical framework of this research was based on earlier theories and literature. Topics such as type of knowledge, mechanisms to transfer knowledge and stickiness factors to knowledge transfers, (including motivation as one of these factors) were reviewed in this study.

The methodology used in this research was both descriptive and explanatory with a single case study as a research strategy. The theories were tested through qualitative research. 19 semi-structured interviews were conducted with the employees of the unit under study. All the interviews were made face-to-face in English language.

The empirical results of this research identified and analyzed the type of knowledge transferred in the unit, the mechanisms used to transfer knowledge and the stickiness factors that impact on the success of the knowledge transfer process. Thus, the findings have supported the relevance of the theoretical framework used in this study.