Knowledge sharing in a cross-cultural context: Nordic expatriates in Japan

Abstract

Although the scholarly discussion increases our understanding about aspects involved in the management of knowledge, relatively little is known about knowledge sharing in a cross-cultural context. Yet, attitudes about knowledge sharing as well as knowledge sharing behavior have been identified in related research as varying across cultural contexts. The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the aspects that influence the act of making knowledge available to others in a cross-cultural context. The empirical part of the study, consisting of semi-structured interviews with 30 Nordic expatriates and eight Japanese managers in Japan indicates that language differences, status hierarchies, collectivism, and logical differences can create barriers to knowledge sharing. Managerial implications and suggestions for future research are offered.

Keywords:

• culture
• expatriates
• knowledge sharing
• Japan
• Nordic countries

Acknowledgements

The author thanks Lisbeth Clausen, and Snejina Michailova for their helpful comments. A previous version of this paper was presented at ‘From Jutland to Japan: Danish Image Creation and Business Practices in Japan’ in Copenhagen, November 26, 2004.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Vesa Peltokorpi

About the author

Vesa Peltokorpi is COE (Center of Excellence) Project Director at Hitotsubashi University. He received his Ph.D. in International Business at Swedish School of Economics and Business Adminstration. His research interests include shared cognition, cross-cultural psychology, and knowledge management. His recent and forthcoming studies have been published in international journals, such as Journal of Management Studies, Employee Relations, and International Journal of Technology Management.