Critical determinants within knowledge transfer processes: a case study at Embrapa

The literature on knowledge transfer has favored a one dimensional approach of factors influencing this process. We argue, in this article, that different factors from both the relational context as well as from the organizational context may affect the process of knowledge transfer among organizations. In order to analyze the influence of these factors on the knowledge transfer process, a qualitative case study was carried out at Embrapa. Results have demonstrated low social connection and integration between the parts (relational context factor) and low absorptive capacity of recipient organizations and low motivation of parts (organizational context factors) affect negatively the process of knowledge transfer between organizations.