Why and how does shared language affect subsidiary knowledge inflows? A social identity perspective

Article

Reiche, B., Harzing, A. and Pudelko, M. 2015. Why and how does shared language affect subsidiary knowledge inflows? A social identity perspective. Journal of International Business Studies. 46 (5), pp. 528-551. https://doi.org/10.1057/jibs.2015.3
TypeArticle
TitleWhy and how does shared language affect subsidiary knowledge inflows? A social identity perspective
AuthorsReiche, B., Harzing, A. and Pudelko, M.
Abstract

We draw on social identity theory to conceptualize a moderated mediation model that examines the relationship between shared language among subsidiary and HQ managers, and subsidiaries’ knowledge inflows from HQ.
Specifically, we study (1) whether this relationship is mediated by the extent to which subsidiary managers share HQ goals and vision, and the extent to which HR decisions are centralized; and (2) whether subsidiary type moderates these mediated relationships. Building on a sample of 817 subsidiaries in nine countries/regions, we find support for our model. Implications for research on HQ-subsidiary knowledge flows, social identity theory and international HRM are discussed.

KeywordsMNE knowledge flows; social identity theory; sociolinguistics; shared language; headquarters–subsidiary relations; human resource management
Research GroupInternational and Cross-cultural Management group
PublisherPalgrave Macmillan
JournalJournal of International Business Studies
ISSN0047-2506
Electronic1478-6990
Publication dates
Online02 Apr 2015
Print01 Jun 2015
Publication process dates
Deposited28 Apr 2015
Accepted15 Jan 2015
Output statusPublished
Publisher's version
Copyright Statement

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article’s Creative Commons license, unless indicated otherwise in the credit line; if the material is not included under the Creative Commons license, users will need to obtain permission from the license holder to reproduce the material. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1057/jibs.2015.3
Scopus EID2-s2.0-84930342911
LanguageEnglish
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