Title: Analysing the non-linear effects of learning traits on knowledge transfer in international outsourcing alliances: the case of suppliers in emerging markets

Authors: Wei-Li Wu; Yi-Chih Lee

Addresses: Department of International Business, Chien Hsin University of Science and Technology, No. 229, Jiansing Rd., Jhongli City, Taoyuan County 32097, Taiwan ' Department of International Business, Chien Hsin University of Science and Technology, No. 229, Jiansing Rd., Jhongli City, Taoyuan County 32097, Taiwan

Abstract: This study applied multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) to explore the non-linear relationships between suppliers' learning traits and knowledge transfer in international outsourcing alliances. There are five learning traits included in this study: organisational learning intent, employee learning intent, self-learning commitment, manufacturing ability and integrated databases. Through a dataset of 206 suppliers, this study revealed that organisational learning intent, employee learning intent, self-learning commitment and integrated databases have non-linear and positive influences on knowledge transfer, while manufacturing ability has a non-linear and negative influence on knowledge transfer. Therefore, suppliers eager to learn could enhance their performance in knowledge transfer by paying more attention to their learning traits.

Keywords: knowledge transfer; learning traits; multivariate adaptive regression splines; MARS; nonlinear effects; international alliances; outsourcing; suppliers; emerging markets; supplier learning; organisational learning intent; employee learning intent; self-learning commitment; manufacturing ability; integrated databases.

DOI: 10.1504/WRSTSD.2014.065675

World Review of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, 2014 Vol.11 No.2, pp.148 - 161

Received: 19 Jul 2013
Accepted: 16 Apr 2014
Published online: 25 Nov 2014 *

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