Reverse transfer of tacit knowledge in M&amp;A based on big data technology

SU Yi; GUO Wen

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Science Research Management ›› 2022, Vol. 43 ›› Issue (9) : 48-57.

Reverse transfer of tacit knowledge in M&A based on big data technology

Su Yi¹, Guo Wen¹,Zhang Aoran²

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Abstract

In order to quickly obtain the core technology of the target enterprises, M&A has become the most effective way for enterprises to improve their competitive advantage. However, the success rate of China′s booming M&A activities is very low, and many enterprises have not obtained key technologies as they wished through M&A. As the most strategic resource of an enterprise, the enterprise′s operating experience, know-how and innovative thinking and other tacit knowledge are the source of competitive advantage. The main difficulty for Chinese enterprises to improve their performance through technological M&A lies in the low efficiency of tacit knowledge transfer and integration. The high tacit characteristics of the tacit knowledge of the targets makes the parties to the M&A whose interests are not completely the same have the right to choose whether to actively contribute and absorb the tacit knowledge. Meanwhile, with the rapid development of modern information technology, big data technology has become a powerful force to promote the efficiency of reverse tacit knowledge transfer in M&A.
Based on this, in order to characterize the long-term, dynamic and imperfectly rational game process of reverse tacit knowledge transfer between the both parties to the M&A, the evolutionary game theory was used in this paper. And based on the characteristics of the application of big data technology in reverse tacit knowledge transfer, the evolutionary game process of reverse tacit knowledge transfer in the context of the application of big data technology by both parties was analyzed and explored, and then understood the mechanism of the key influencing factors on the evolutionary law of the strategic choice of the both parties to the M&A.
The innovations of this paper are mainly reflected in: first, different from the previous research perspectives on reverse knowledge transfer in M&A, this paper considers the interactive relationship between the both parties in the process of reverse tacit knowledge transfer from the perspective of big data technology, and provides a comprehensive research perspective on reverse tacit knowledge transfer of M&A. It also provides new ideas for the potential ways of future research. Second, this paper focuses on the negative impact of cross-organizational culture and inherent characteristics of tacit knowledge on reverse knowledge transfer, and from the perspective of big data technology, the influence mechanism of various factors on reverse tacit knowledge transfer under the background of big data technology application was analyzed. It is helpful to promote the development of relevant literature, and it can also provide more specific and operable guidance for M&A.
The research conclusions show that: first of all, the rational use of big data technology by M&A has a positive effect on reverse tacit knowledge transfer within a certain range, but excessive reliance on big data technology is counterproductive. Meanwhile, the rational use of big data technology in acquirers will enhance the willingness of targets to contribute their own sensitive tacit knowledge. Secondly, the risk cost caused by the unreasonable use of big data technology by the acquirer should be controlled within a certain range compared with the expected benefits. When the cost-to-income ratio is unacceptable and reluctant, the acquirer will eventually choose a negative strategy; When the cost-to-benefit ratio is acceptable, both parties to the merger will eventually choose an active strategy. Finally, an appropriate increase in the intensity of punishment can help both parties evolve toward the optimal direction.
This research expands and enriches the research perspective and research content in the field of reverse knowledge transfer. Besides, the research conclusions can provide practical guidance for the formulation of reverse tacit knowledge transfer strategies in M&A under the background of big data technology application from two aspects: improving information communication mechanisms and channels, and implementing the whole process of big data technology risk management.

Key words

reverse transfer of tacit knowledge / evolutionary game / big data technology / M&A

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Su Yi, Guo Wen, Zhang Aoran. Reverse transfer of tacit knowledge in M&A based on big data technology[J]. Science Research Management. 2022, 43(9): 48-57

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