An Investigation Of Environmental Factors Influencing
Knowledge Transfer. This research asked the following
question: Is there a correlation between organizational
culture and the ability of an organization to
efficiently and effectively transfer knowledge? In an
attempt to answer this question, we surveyed 1,116
people in 23 organizations from the United States Air
Force using an instrument that assessed organizational
culture and factors known to influence knowledge
transfer efficacy. We found evidence that organizations
with cultural traits exhibiting an openness to change
and innovation as well as a task-centered orientation
tended to be conducive to knowledge transfer.
Conversely, we found evidence that organizations with
cultural traits exhibiting a confrontational and
competitive orientation tended not to be conducive to
knowledge transfer. Managerial implications and
directions for future research are also provided. 2002
