Reverse Knowledge Flows: How and When Do Preparation and Reintegration Facilitate Repatriate Knowledge Transfer?

Abstract

This paper applies a generalized exchange perspective to examine how and when reintegration in headquarters (HQ) facilitates repatriate knowledge transfer (RKT). Specifically, we theorize how the preparatory stage for repatriation – when expatriates are still abroad – enhances reintegration in HQ upon repatriation and subsequently RKT via interpersonal and career-related pathways. For the former, we hypothesize that communication frequency with HQ actors before re-entry enhances RKT via reintegration. We also hypothesize that communication frequency with HQ actors before re-entry improves trust in HQ actors, which, in turn, strengthens the positive effect of reintegration on RKT. For the second pathway, we hypothesize that career and repatriate support before re-entry increases RKT via reintegration. We also hypothesize that career and repatriate support before re-entry enhances career satisfaction upon re-entry, which, in turn, strengthens the positive effect of reintegration on RKT. Time-lagged data from 129 assignees and their HQ supervisors support most of our hypotheses.