Investigating Knowledge Transfer: A Preliminary Model to Improve Our Understanding of the Literature

Knowledge transfer is a critical activity in every organization and an essential component of knowledge management. Previous research has identified that of the four key knowledge management processes (i.e. creation, storage/retrieval, transfer, and application) transfer is discussed most often in the literature. What remains unclear is the nature and structure of knowledge transfer. Research in knowledge transfer has foundations in a variety of reference disciplines. This paper outlines research-in-progress in developing a model to improve our understanding of knowledge transfer. A proposed three-dimensional model with axes of channel richness, organization level, and context is discussed and illustrative examples of recent research are provided.