When Same is (not) the Aim: A Treatise on Organizational Cultural Similarity, Fit and Knowledge Transfer

S. Morgoulis-Jakoushev, H. Emre Yildiz, Carl F. Fey

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Multinationals (MNCs) need to find the balance between developing a globally standardized organizational culture and having multiple locally- adapted organizational cultures. Past literature embodies the bias that differences between MNC units, unless managed, would lead to adverse consequences. To counter this negative bias, we focus on cultural fit, which is the amount of difference yielding maximum benefit. We argue that depending on comparison criterion and desired outcome, fit could be achieved by establishing similarities or maintaining differences. Using evolutionary economics, we explore knowledge transfer within MNCs and test our hypotheses on fit using a unique dyadic dataset from 186 MNCs.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)151-163
JournalJournal of World Business
Volume53
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2018
MoE publication typeA1 Journal article-refereed

Keywords

  • Cultural distance
  • Cultural differences and similarities
  • Cultural fit
  • Knowledge transfer
  • Organizational culture

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