Knowledge transfer between expatriate and host country nationals: The role of self-construal

• Milad Jannesari

  Zhejiang University

• Zhongming Wang

  Zhejiang University

• Phillip Brown

  Zhejiang University

• Jacob T. McCall

  Rutgers University

Our purpose in this paper was to investigate the role of self-construal by emphasizing 2 dimensions, namely the independent and interdependent views of self, as intercultural competencies that aid knowledge transfer and contribute to the enhancement of social capital between expatriates and host country nationals. Data were collected from 176 expatriates working in China, as well as 176 of their Chinese colleagues, all of whom completed measures of self-construal, frequency of interaction, trust, and shared vision. Further, supervisors rated their subordinates’ knowledge sharing. The results revealed that for both sets of respondents, self-construal were facilitated by building positive relationships. This demonstrates the value of self-construal, revealing practical methods of developing social capital between expatriates and their host country colleagues as an instrumental means for knowledge transfer.

1. Milad Jannesari, Zhejiang University
   School of Management
2. Zhongming Wang, Zhejiang University
   School of Management
3. Phillip Brown, Zhejiang University
   Department of International Relations
4. Jacob T. McCall, Rutgers University
   Arts Department

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