Embedded resources and knowledge transfer among R&D employees

Purpose – This paper suggests embedded resources as a new dimension of social capital and aims to prove its value in the knowledge transfer context. Design/methodology/approach – Hierarchical multiple regression was adopted to analyse survey responses from 337 R&D employees. Barron and Kenny's mediation test was also conducted to test an indirect effect of embedded resources. Findings – In addition to the traditional three dimensions of social capital, the embedded resources dimension showed direct and indirect effects on knowledge transfer. Additionally, cognitive similarity among R&D employees was from the professional tenure rather than company tenure. Research limitations/implications – Despite the limitations of cross-sectional study and R&D focused sample, this study successfully extended existing research on social capital in the knowledge transfer context by validating the role of embedded resources as a new dimension of social capital. Practical implications – Facilitating social networks among e...

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