IBS Lunchtime Research Seminar - The Regional Management in Multinational Enterprises: The Role of Regional Headquarters in Knowledge Management.

You are cordially invited to attend an IBS lunchtime research seminar by Jiin Lee PhD Student Henley Business School. Please join us in Room 108, Henley Business School. If you have not received the email invite please email Angie Clark.

Please make sure you let me know in advance if you intend to attend in person so that the correct amount of catering is booked.

Title: IBS Lunchtime Research Seminar - The Regional Management in Multinational Enterprises: The Role of Regional Headquarters in Knowledge Management.

Date: Wednesday 31st May 2023

Time: 13.00 – 14.15pm

Teams – A Teams link to the seminar is included for those who cannot attend in person, however attendance in person is preferred.

Abstract:

This study aims to contribute to the literature on knowledge management and regional management by investigating the role of regional headquarters (RHQs) in knowledge management and how they influence knowledge management in multinational enterprises (MNEs). The study conducted an in-depth qualitative analysis of seven large Korean MNEs and identified four critical activities performed by RHQs that impact the flow of knowledge within MNEs: transfer, translation, facilitation, and transformation. The study also investigated contextual factors that affect the impact of RHQs' knowledge management activities. The findings of the study suggest that RHQs play a crucial role in improving the efficiency of knowledge transfer between headquarters and subsidiaries, enhancing the usefulness and application of knowledge with interpretation, providing unique insights through recombination, and encouraging knowledge sharing among internal units. The study reveals that the magnitude and specific mechanism of generating value for each knowledge management activity vary based on factors such as the scope of value chains, regional institutional diversity, regional development status, and the value chain activities. Overall, the study contributes to our understanding of the role and impact of RHQs in knowledge management within MNEs and offers practical implications for practitioners and scholars.