The purpose of this dissertation was to develop, propose, and test a model of knowledge transfer for expatriates. The transfer of knowledge from expatriates to subsidiaries and the knowledge that is gained by expatriates during their international assignment was considered in this study. The model included the antecedents of expatriate absorptive capacity (EXACAP), and the effect of EXACAP on knowledge outcomes, according to purposes posed by Hocking et al. (2004). The relationship between expatriate success and knowledge transfer outcomes were discussed in terms of knowledge application and experiential learning. Two samples were utilized to provide empirical evidence, one composed of 149 expatriates assigned in 34 countries and the other sample comprised of 80 dyads of expatriates and host country nationals (HCNs). Results show that cognitive flexibility, language fluency, the frequent interaction with HCNs, and cultural distance were predictors of EXACAP. Additionally, EXACAP had a positive effect on knowledge transferred and knowledge received by expatriates. It is showed that expatriates who transfer more knowledge were more successful in their international positions and report higher levels of their performance were additionally observed. This work contributes to the expatriate literature by enhancing the understanding of expatriate failure and by providing an alternative explanation of expatriate success from a knowledge transfer approach.
