Unfolding and developing disseminative capacity of subsidiaries via structural integration in MNCS

Abstract

Despite its critical role in knowledge transfer and the development of multinational corporations (MNCs), disseminative capacity has received limited attention compared to the mirror concept of absorptive capacity. Drawing from the knowledge-based view and adopting the perspective of subsidiaries as knowledge senders, this paper proposes and conceptualizes four sequential dimensions of disseminative capacity - identification, articulation, association, and support - which constitute potential and realized disseminative capacities. Furthermore, we explore how structural integration mechanisms could influence the development of disseminative capacity in subsidiaries of MNCs. Our fine-grained approach recognizes the multidimensionality and the dynamic nature of disseminative capacity. We also provide theoretical and practical implications for enhancing the disseminative capacity of MNC subsidiaries, thereby facilitating knowledge transfer within MNCs.