From hiding to sharing: a knowledge hiding perspective on knowledge management in MNEs

Purpose Knowledge is a vital strategic resource for multinational enterprises (MNEs). As MNEs expand internationally, knowledge transfer through expatriates is a crucial part of the value proposition of outward foreign direct investment. However, this is undermined if knowledge is hidden rather than shared. Given the scarcity of research on knowledge hiding in MNEs, this paper aims to investigate this phenomenon among expatriates and develops a new framework to analyze knowledge hiding. Design/methodology/approach Survey data from 201 Chinese MNE expatriates is collected and analyzed using Partial Least Squares – Structural Equation Modeling to test the relationships between knowledge hiding, organizational practices, cultural intelligence and job embeddedness. Relevant organizational practices based on the ability-motivation-opportunity enhancing framework were identified, based on 24 semi-structured qualitative interviews which guided the quantitative analysis. Findings The direct effects of organizational practices on all types of knowledge hiding are limited. However, organizational practices’ influence on knowledge hiding is mediated by the cultural intelligence of expatriates, and this relationship is moderated by job embeddedness. Originality/value The research advances current thinking about knowledge management and outlines both theoretical and practical implications at organizational and societal levels. It explores the mechanisms for remedying knowledge hiding through organizational practices, including the interactive effects of cultural intelligence and job embeddedness among expatriates. Organizational knowledge management strategies in MNEs need to recognize cultural differences and improve job embeddedness to form the basis of successful knowledge transfer.