Knowledge transfer: analysis of three Internet acquisitions

The importance of knowledge as the fundamental resource from the strategic viewpoint is widely recognized. Acquisitions are a means of complementing and renewing the knowledge base of the firm. In this study we analyse different variables of the implementation process (autonomy, retention, interaction, cultural similarity) in three acquisitions. We observe that the degree of autonomy granted to the acquired firm is influenced by the nature of the knowledge to be transferred, whereas retention and the means of interaction are not. The results with regard to cultural similarity are not conclusive.

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