1. ¹California State University, San Marcos, USA
2. ²Lucas Graduate School of Business, College of Business, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA, USA
3. ³C T Bauer College of Business, College of Business, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA

Correspondence: G Oddou, CSU San Marcos, COBA, San Marcos, CA 92056, USA. Tel: +1 760 750 4236; Fax: +1 760 750 4250; E-mail: goddou@csusm.edu

Received 26 May 2006; Revised 16 May 2007; Accepted 30 July 2007; Published online 29 May 2008.

Abstract

Because of the strategic importance of organizational learning in a global economy, the knowledge that repatriates acquire during international assignments is a valuable resource. Few multinational enterprises, however, actively harvest this knowledge, and little quantitative empirical research on this topic exists to date. We propose an original model and propositions that delineate the facilitative and inhibiting factors affecting repatriate knowledge transfer to work units. We conclude with suggestions for future research and practical implications.