What are the characteristics of repatriation knowledge sharing practices? : Exploring the barriers and opportunities for sharing knowledge

Abstract

This thesis explores the characteristics of repatriation knowledge sharing, focusing on identifying the barriers and opportunities for sharing knowledge in a repatriation context. The findings presented is based on qualitative interviews of eight former expatriates in a Norwegian company within the defense industry operating in more than 25 different countries. Our study identifies no deliberate, but some seemingly unconscious knowledge sharing practices. Moreover, it highlights what can be seen as a clear underutilization of repatriates’ knowledge. On the organizational level, we found lack of interest among colleagues and leaders, as well as lack of deliberate efforts for facilitating knowledge sharing to be the most apparent barriers for knowledge sharing. The individual barriers were largely related to low awareness and lack of realization of the value and benefit of their possessed knowledge. In addition, we found underutilization of, and lack of interest in repatriates’ knowledge to be a major source of frustration among repatriates. Further we discuss the implications of our findings for organizational and managerial practice.