HUMANISTIC MANAGEMENT NETWORK (HMN) …protecting human dignity - promoting human well-being - within planetary boundaries

About HMN The Nigerian chapter is part of an international, interdisciplinary, and independent network that promotes the development of an economic system with respect for human dignity and well-being. It defends human dignity in face of its vulnerability. Our theory of change focuses on changing the narrative behind business and management, and to promote a culture of dignity and well-being that leads to ethical and sustainable organizing in practice.

Creating and encouraging collectivist relationships within MNCs: The transfer and sharing of knowledge by expatriate staff

Session Attendees Speakers and organisational affiliations Moderator: Aramide Akisanya – (Kuhl-Cher Limited) Oluwole Oluyemi (Chatered Accountant & Business Advisor) Uche Egeonu (Xtitches Consult) Moderator: Elizabeth Olofin (KITBENJ Consulting) Conference attendees

Identified problems Despite the inflow of FDI into Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), SSA countries still lag behind with regard to the impact of MNCs Cultural issues such as preference for Western ideals and individuals ‘Over-diligence’ at work, sometimes at the expense of personal well-being Absence of communal spirit in Western cultures

Identified problems (Cont’d) Certain attitudes of local staff encourage wrong habits and discourage good organisational culture; for instance, refusing to report wrongdoing in the organisation Poor implementation of the Nigerian labour law with regard to outsourcing and recruitment Disparity in the reward and benefit systems between expatriate and local staff.

Identified problems (Cont’d) Institutional frameworks which encourage some form of physical divide  Sharp practices and lack of integrity among local workers Lack of focus at work among local workers which results in impaired efficiency Issues of intellectual property (IP) Absorption of transferred knowledge

Encouraging knowledge transfer and knowledge spillover – Categories identified Government organisations Expatriate staff Local staff

Encouraging knowledge transfer and knowledge spillover - Government A review of the current Nigerian labour laws to ensure that it can accommodate current realities especially with regards to issues such as outsourcing and recruitment Proper implementation of the local content policy Better educational system and infrastructures to support required skill set

Encouraging knowledge transfer and knowledge spillover - Organisation Re-orientation of individuals on perceptions such as ‘west is best’ Organisational culture should encourage knowledge sharing through methods such as: Organisational framework that will give opportunities for expatriates to acclimatize to the more communal African culture Reward system for expatriate staff in line with knowledge transfer Succession planning with timelines Opportunities for learning and development e.g. learning management system Adequate selection process of local staff who have emotional intelligence

Encouraging knowledge transfer and knowledge spillover – organisation (Cont’d) Psychological preparation for both expatriate and local staff The use of performance objectives which includes knowledge transfer Better reward and benefit systems within MNCs for local staff Encouraging better social relationships between expatriates and local staff Use of non-disclosure agreements to protect IP

Encouraging knowledge transfer and knowledge spillover – Expatriate staff Should be technically skilled Psychologically prepared

Encouraging knowledge transfer and knowledge spillover – Local staff Attitude and drive towards learning Emotional intelligence skills such as initiative, drive, willingness to learn, humility, going the extra mile, professionalism, an excellent spirit and unwillingness to cut corners Respect for intellectual property

Encouraging knowledge transfer and knowledge spillover - Generally Africans should begin to think towards innovation and creativity so as to also contribute to IPs Better value systems

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