Title: Autonomy and teamwork effect on knowledge transfer: knowledge transferability as a moderator variable

Authors: Luis Miguel Molina, Francisco Javier Llorens-Montes

Addresses: University of Granada, Management Department, Facultad de Ciencias Economicas y Empresariales, Campus de Cartuja s/n, 18071, Granada, Spain. ' University of Granada, Management Department, Facultad de Ciencias Economicas y Empresariales, Campus de Cartuja s/n, 18071, Granada, Spain

Abstract: Successful innovation is increasingly dependent on organisational knowledge and knowledge management. New organisational forms are required for improving knowledge creation and transfer. This study looks at how the implementation of teamwork and the increase in workers| autonomy affect internal knowledge transfer. To check the hypotheses, we have used a sample of 179 Spanish firms. The results indicate that teamwork is an important factor in improving knowledge transfer. However, greater autonomy only increases transfers when there are difficulties in transferring knowledge.

Keywords: autonomy; knowledge transfer; knowledge transferability; measurement implications; teamwork; innovation; Spain; organisational knowledge; knowledge management; organisational structure.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTTC.2006.010753

International Journal of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation, 2006 Vol.5 No.3, pp.263 - 280

Published online: 29 Aug 2006 *

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