Knowledge transfer in project-based organisations: A dynamic granular cognitive maps approach

Motivation is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of knowledge transfer. This study aims to investigate how motivation for knowledge transfer and organisational context influence the effectiveness of knowledge transfer in project-based organisations. We further identify the key factors of motivation in an organisation context. We applied Dynamic Granular Cognitive Maps (DGCMs) to reveal the influencing mechanism of motivation and organisation context. Results show that three factors – knowledge transfer involvement, knowledge transfer satisfaction, and knowledge psychological ownership – are global controlled variables that reflect knowledge transfer performance. The motivation factors balanced reciprocity, avoiding punishment, organisational affective commitment, and achievement motivation are more important than others for knowledge transfer. Moreover, organisation context has a serious impact on knowledge transfer performance. Based on these results, a series of strategies are recommended to improve knowledge transfer in project-based organisations. This study offers a new approach to establishing crucial organisational relationships based on empirical evidence.