Knowledge transfer between two geographically distant action research teams

Abstract

Purpose

The objective of this study is to observe and document the transfer of a train the trainers program in knife sharpening and steeling. This knowledge transfer involved two groups of researchers: the experts and the learners. These groups are from geographically dispersed regions and evolve in distinct contexts by their language and culture.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper favors the learning history (LH) technique, a methodology that enabled the different participants to share their experience through reiterate interviews.

Findings

Based on the dynamic knowledge transfer capacity model, the absorptive capacity of the train the trainers process appears to have been mobilized. Although there were a number of hitches, people are confident that the project will be successful and that they will put what they have learned to good use in upcoming phases to transfer this program to other organizations.

Research limitations/implications

The conclusions apply solely to a context of interprovincial transfer of a train the trainers program. It is believed that it is important to complete the first‐phase interviews “before” project start‐up. Being unilingual may have prevented some individuals from participating fully when asked to react to the summary documents.

Originality/value

The model is explicit enough to encompass the overall dimensions required to understand the dynamics of knowledge transfer. In a short and geographically dispersed context it was found that adjustments to the methodology were necessary, there was a wealth of data and that LH has fostered necessary adjustments that in turn have mobilized the actors.

Citation

Desmarais, L., Parent, R., Leclerc, L., Raymond, L., MacKinnon, S. and Vézina, N. (2009), "Knowledge transfer between two geographically distant action research teams", Journal of Workplace Learning, Vol. 21 No. 3, pp. 219-239. https://doi.org/10.1108/13665620910943942