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From Embeddedness to Implementation: A Transposition Theory Perspective on Reverse Knowledge Transfer in South Korean MNCs

Ki Bum Noh

Asia-Pacific Journal of Human Resources2026https://doi.org/10.1111/1744-7941.70062article
AJG 2ABDC A
Weight
0.37

Abstract

Reverse knowledge transfer (RKT) is essential for multinational corporations to benefit from employees' international experience, but repatriates often face difficulties in transferring knowledge gained abroad. Drawing on transposition theory, this study examines how pre‐expatriation embeddedness and host organization exposure shape RKT outcomes, and how the presence of peer repatriates moderates these relationships. We conceptualize repatriates as change agents who seek to translate, adapt, and legitimize external knowledge within their home organizations through processes of disembedding, recontextualization, and implementing new practices. Using survey data from 177 South Korean repatriates, we find that pre‐expatriation embeddedness and host organization exposure both positively affect RKT, and that peer repatriates strengthen the effect of embeddedness but not exposure. These results advance the understanding of RKT by highlighting the importance of conditions established before expatriation, and they apply transposition theory to identify the mechanisms of legitimacy and adaptation that enable contextual translation.

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https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/1744-7941.70062

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@article{ki2026,
  title        = {{From Embeddedness to Implementation: A Transposition Theory Perspective on Reverse Knowledge Transfer in South Korean MNCs}},
  author       = {Ki Bum Noh},
  journal      = {Asia-Pacific Journal of Human Resources},
  year         = {2026},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/1744-7941.70062},
}

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Evidence weight

0.37

Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40

F · citation impact0.16 × 0.4 = 0.06
M · momentum0.53 × 0.15 = 0.08
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

† Text relevance is estimated at 0.50 on the detail page — for your query’s actual relevance score, open this paper from a search result.