Abstract
The analysis of social networks of expatriates demonstrates that expatriates are not a homogenous group, but develop divergent professional networks regarding its geographical scope, strategies of maintenance, communication, as well as associated knowledge flows. Their networks and resulting roles in the knowledge transfer process depend on spcae-, job- and knowledge-related as well as personal factors. Expatriates, who occupy central interfaces in companies, rely on know-who, prefer face-to-face interaction and possess resources to overcome geographical distances on a regular basis, are more likely to contribute to the development of organisational knowledge resources.
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Notes
- 1.
All interviews were conducted in German. After transcribing, the presented excerpts were translated by the author.
- 2.
Despite interviewees expressing strong tendencies toward homophily during the qualitative interview, network data on the individual level provides less empirical evidence. Homophily can only be found for the variable sex.
- 3.
Due to occupying central interfaces within the company and holding positions which rely on networks and communication with several departments and business units, there is—to some extent—no need to pursue strategic networking within the company, “because [my professional intra-firm network] has simply resulted from my tasks. I don’t really have to do it [i.e. to network] actively” (X-48m-2).
- 4.
Networks of the type dragonfly consist of 5.7 alter on average, those of the type beetle of 4.3 when adjusted for outlier values.
- 5.
This is based on qualitative interviews. When testing network data, no universal pattern of homophily can be identified for a specific variable. In this context, each interviewee expresses different preferences.
- 6.
This great personal interest for the development of ties is reflected in the meaning of their networks i.e. their networks are a great source of emotional support (cf. Section 8.3.3).
- 7.
In fact, some expatriates are in contact with the receiving unit beforehand due to previous collaborations and joint projects.
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Hünnemeyer, V. (2020). The Expatriate Perspective: Spatial Mobility, Social Networks and Flows of Knowledge. In: Knowledge Transfers over Geographical Distance in Organisations. Perspektiven der Humangeographie. Springer Spektrum, Wiesbaden. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-31018-9_8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-31018-9_8
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