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| A Study of Reverse Knowledge Transfer in MNCs Based on Meta-Analysis Techniques：Antecedents, Outcomes and Boundary Conditions |
| Zheng Suli,Zhu Junlin,Chang Xiaoran |
| (College of Economics and Management, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China) |
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Abstract In the era of knowledge economy, knowledge is used to be regarded as a prerequisite for innovation, and innovation is an important driver for MNCs to improve their R&D capabilities and international competitiveness. Reverse knowledge transfer provides parent companies with greater access to and use of knowledge and resources from the host country, thus contributing to the improvement of innovation capabilities and performance of MNCs. At present, academics have accumulated a large number of research results on the antecedents and consequences of reverse knowledge transfer. However, the existing studies have different perspectives and conflicting conclusions, which pose great challenges to the improvement of the theory and practical application of reverse knowledge transfer. It is necessary to integrate the mechanisms and effects of the antecedents and consequences of reverse knowledge transfer and constructs a holistic research framework, and explore the contextual factors affecting these relationships. The meta-analysis method provides solid technical support for the research purpose.#br#Firstly,this study puts forward the research framework on the antecedents, outcomes and boundary conditions of reverse knowledge transfer based on a literature review and presents hypotheses on the relationships between variables. Secondly, it comprehensively searches, selects and codes the literature, and finally gets 62 empirical studies between 1998 and 2020. Then, it codes the variables and the effect-value statistics separately. Based on this, this paper tests the publication bias with funnel plots and Egger analysis and heterogeneity test with Q-test and I-squared statistic. Finally, adopting meta-analysis and subgroup analysis, this study explores the effects of autonomy, entry mode and age of the subsidiary, absorptive capacity of the parent company, relevance, complexity and tacitness of knowledge, cultural distance, geographical di stance, interaction mechanism between the parent and subsidiary on reverse knowledge transfer, the effect of reverse knowledge transfer on innovation performance and the moderating effect of economic development level of the home country. #br#This study finds that the following variables have a positive effect on reverse knowledge transfer: autonomy and age of the subsidiary, absorptive capacity of the parent company, relevance, complexity and tacitness of knowledge, and interaction mechanism between the parent and subsidiary;cultural distance between the parent and subsidiary has a negative effect;there is no significant relationship between entry mode, geographical distance and reverse knowledge transfer;reverse knowledge transfer has a significant contribution to the innovation performance of the parent company;there are significant differences in the reverse knowledge transfer process between emerging and developed economy MNCs.This paper presents a holistic research framework which is helpful to promote the systematic understanding of reverse knowledge transfer. The meta-analysis can effectively overcome sample differences and the interference of random factors, and the conclusions obtained have better explanatory power and generalisability, bridging the divergence between existing research conclusions.By the end,with a large number of empirical studies, this paper reveals the key role of home country economic development level on reverse knowledge transfer, which deepens the understanding of the differentiation of MNCs' reverse knowledge transfer. #br#The study is of great significance to the reverse knowledge transfer in MNCs, especially for emerging economies MNCs. Firstly, managers must have systematic thinking to efficiently manage reverse knowledge transfer, and coordinate different links and factors, especially pay more attention to the effective interaction mechanisms between parent and subsidiary companies. Secondly, for the emerging economies of MNCs, managers should emphasize the positive effect of M&A and tacit knowledge, and effectively resolve and control the obstacles caused by cultural distance. Moreover, in the background of anti-globalization and the spread of COVID-19, the reverse knowledge transfer is bound to face greater restrictions and challenges, especially in the fields of basic components and high-end manufacturing. Therefore, the internationalization strategy in the next stage must focus on innovation capability and knowledge absorption and application.#br#
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Received: 29 January 2022
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