A darker side of knowledge transfer following international acquisitions

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Reus, Taco H.; Lamont, Bruce T.; Ellis, Kimberly M.
• 署名单位: Erasmus University Rotterdam; Erasmus University Rotterdam - Excl Erasmus MC; State University System of Florida; Florida State University; State University System of Florida; Florida Atlantic University
• 刊物名称: STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT JOURNAL
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0143-2095
• DOI: 10.1002/smj.2373
• 发表日期: 2016
• 页码: 932-944
• 关键词: knowledge transfer; Mergers and Acquisitions; GLOBAL STRATEGY; International business; behavioral theory of the firm

摘要

We consider a knowledge flow that dominates the international acquisition context but can actually harm foreign acquired firms' performance: non-location-specific knowledge transfer from acquirers to acquired firms (N-LSKT). Considering its behavioral consequences, we argue that such knowledge transfer often may destabilize existing power structures in foreign acquired firms prompting conflict and power struggles, and as a result negatively affects their performance. We find support for this adverse knowledge transfer effect. Only at very high levels of N-LSKT, when acquirers are likely to extend their own capabilities and associated power structures more completely, do the performance effects improve. Further, predeal success of acquirers and post-deal functional integration amplify, while acquirers' strategic control over the acquired firm alleviates the generally negative effects of N-LSKT. Copyright (c) 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.