The purpose of this study is to explore the role of tacit knowledge transfer in a particular type of global manager - the inpatriate manager who is typically relocated from the MNC’s subsidiary to headquarter. To do so, we draw on social embeddedness theory. Our paper suggests that if an inpatriate manager becomes embedded within the MNCs headquarter, tacit knowledge transfer will occur resulting in innovative practices and a global mindset within the MNCs headquarters. This study takes the unique approach of studying the barriers that inpatriate managers face in the transfer of tacit knowledge and highlights the role of human resources in facilitating the transfer of knowledge across the MNC. The paper articulates the implications for policy and practice and a future research agenda.

本研究的目的是探讨隐性知识转移在特定类型的全球经理中的作用——通常从跨国公司的子公司调往总部的外派经理。为此，我们借鉴了社会嵌入理论。我们的论文表明，如果外派经理融入跨国公司总部，隐性知识转移就会发生，从而导致跨国公司总部的创新实践和全球思维。本研究采用独特的方法研究外派管理人员在隐性知识转移中面临的障碍，并强调人力资源在促进跨国公司知识转移方面的作用。本文阐述了对政策和实践的影响以及未来的研究议程。