Role on Knowledge Transfer of the Mining Sector in Mongolia

Abstract

The knowledge-related roles of the expatriates are becoming one of the most appealing academic research topics. The purpose of this research is to identify the role of the expatriates on knowledge transfer of the mining companies in Mongolia. The objectives of this study are to: identify the role of the expatriates on knowledge transfer, identify what kind of knowledge is transferred by the expatriates, and identify the main factors and obstacles, which are impacting the expatriates on knowledge transfer process. Research was implemented by qualitative approach. Ten expatriates who fulfilled participation requirement was interviewed. Findings of the study revealed that expatriates who assigned to Mongolian mining companies play diverse role as knowledge transferor. Beside main job responsibility all the expatriates are in charge of advising, leading, guiding and training their co-workers. Managerial, organizational and technical related knowledge mostly transferred by expatriates to Mongolian employees. Main influential factor and obstacle is managerial support and language ability of the local employee. Findings of the study will assist mining organizations clearly see where the weaknesses are and how to improve that in the future with expatriates’ involvement. This study contributes to the existing literature. Study was one of the groundbreaking studies about expatriates in Mongolia and knowledge management in the mining industry of Mongolia.The knowledge-related roles of the expatriates are becoming one of the most appealing academic research topics. The purpose of this research is to identify the role of the expatriates on knowledge transfer of the mining companies in Mongolia. The objectives of this study are to: identify the role of the expatriates on knowledge transfer, identify what kind of knowledge is transferred by the expatriates, and identify the main factors and obstacles, which are impacting the expatriates on knowledge transfer process. Research was implemented by qualitative approach. Ten expatriates who fulfilled participation requirement was interviewed. Findings of the study revealed that expatriates who assigned to Mongolian mining companies play diverse role as knowledge transferor. Beside main job responsibility all the expatriates are in charge of advising, leading, guiding and training their co-workers. Managerial, organizational and technical related knowledge mostly transferred by expatriates to Mongolian employees. Main influential factor and obstacle is managerial support and language ability of the local employee. Findings of the study will assist mining organizations clearly see where the weaknesses are and how to improve that in the future with expatriates’ involvement. This study contributes to the existing literature. Study was one of the groundbreaking studies about expatriates in Mongolia and knowledge management in the mining industry of Mongolia.