Reverse Knowledge Flows: How and When Do Preparation and Reintegration Facilitate Repatriate Knowledge Transfer?

Abstract This paper applies a generalized exchange perspective to examine how and when reintegration in headquarters (HQ) facilitates repatriate knowledge transfer (RKT). Specifically, we theorize how the preparatory stage for repatriation – when expatriates are still abroad – enhances reintegration in HQ upon repatriation and subsequently RKT via interpersonal and career‐related pathways. For the former, we hypothesize that communication frequency with HQ actors before re‐entry enhances RKT via reintegration. We also hypothesize that communication frequency with HQ actors before re‐entry improves trust in HQ actors, which, in turn, strengthens the positive effect of reintegration on RKT. For the second pathway, we hypothesize that career and repatriate support before re‐entry increases RKT via reintegration. We also hypothesize that career and repatriate support before re‐entry enhances career satisfaction upon re‐entry, which, in turn, strengthens the positive effect of reintegration on RKT. Time‐lagged data from 129 assignees and their HQ supervisors support most of our hypotheses.