This study seeks to understand knowledge transfer practices within the Muslim business community in Edinburgh. It investigates how knowledge transfer practices are managed on a day to day basis, examines the route of development and justification for these practices into meaningful knowledge transfer processes, and explores the underlying perspective of knowledge from the knowledge transfer practitioners view of knowledge transfer practices in a business context. In particular, the study seeks explanations for such practices with reference to both a knowledge-based and a resource-based view of the firm.
Due to the multifarious phenomena of knowledge transfer, and to allow a scope necessary to establish epistemological and empirical evidence from literature, a two stage literature review process was adopted. The majority of literature expounds an argument in which knowledge and knowledge transfer processes in a business context are embedded within a set of real world dimensions, based on causal relationships. Literature determines that it is overcoming difficulties with this framework which is critical for a businesses ability to manage, utilise and extract value from multiple internal and external sources of knowledge. Four broad themes were identified, from which most literature supported this argument: Psychological, Organisational, Philosophical and Cultural.
Data collection and analysis were carried out in two phases. Phase one was based on ethnographic participant observation which proved unsuccessful due to an underestimation of the complexity of the participants personal perspective and researcher bias. Phase two was informed by the difficulties encountered in phase one and proved successful in capturing meaningful data. Following a thematic logic, themes were carefully unpacked in an iterative process, so that an understanding of knowledge transfer experiences within the Muslim business community in Edinburgh became clear.
In summary, the study provides a deep understanding of the knowledge transfer practices in the Muslim business community in Edinburgh. Through the systematic and dialectic analysis of knowledge transfer participants daily practices, the details and dynamisms underpinning knowledge transfer processes are revealed.
Table of Contents
1 INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY
1.1 BACKGROUND
1.2 RATIONALE
1.3 AIM AND OBJECTIVES
1.3.1 Overview
1.3.2 Linking Broad research questions to Aim And Objective
1.4 STRUCTURE OF THE THESIS
1.4.1 Overview
1.4.2 Structure
2 PHILOSOPHY& KNOWLEDGE: Literature Review Part I
2.1 INTRODUCTION
2.1.1 Literature Review Scope
2.2 PHILOSOPHY AND KNOWLEDGE ANTICENDANCE
2.2.1 Aristotelian underpinning
2.2.2 Knowledge definition
2.3 TAXONOMY
2.3.1 Classification
2.3.2 Explicit and Tacit Knowledge
2.3.3 Explicit vs Tacit
2.3.4 Complex knowledge
2.4 PHILOSOPHICAL IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATION
2.4.1 Communicative Position related to knowledge
2.4.2 Communication and Transfer
2.5 Chapter 2: CONCLUSION
3 KNOWLEDGE AND BUSINESS INTERACTION: Literature Review Part II
3.1 INTRODUCTION
3.1.1 Literature review Scope
3.2 EVOLUTION OF KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER MANAGEMENT
3.2.1 Practice and Process Overviews
3.2.2 Infrastructure
3.2.3 Mechanisms
3.2.4 Analogical mapping
3.2.5 Strategies (Replication and adaptation)
3.2.5.1 Replication
3.2.5.2 Adaptation
3.3 THEORETICAL DYNAMICS
3.3.1 Conceptual relevance of theoretical modelling
3.3.2 Knowledge generation
3.3.3 Communication
3.3.4 Knowledge Learning
3.3.5 Knowledge Management
3.4 PROBLEMATIC EPISTEME
3.4.1 Barriers
3.4.2 Stickiness
3.4.3 Transfer Efficiency
3.5 BUSINESS SUCCESS and COMPETITVE ADVANTAGE
3.5.1 Resource and knowledge based views
3.5.2 Competitive Advantage
3.6 SUMMARY OF CHAPTERS 2 & 3
3.6.1 Literature themes
3.7 Chapter 3: CONCLUSION
4 RESEARCH DESIGN and METHODS
4.1 INTRODUCTION
4.2 OVERVIEW of APPROACH and METHODS
4.2.1 Paradigm Adopted
4.2.2 Participation areas
4.2.3 Participant group
4.2.3.1 Sampling
4.2.3.2 Demographics
4.2.4 Qualitative Approach
4.2.4.1 Interpretivism
4.2.4.2 Phenomenology
4.2.5 Collection considerations
4.2.5.1 Participant Observation
4.2.5.2 Qualitative Interview
4.2.6 Data Analysis Considerations
4.2.6.1 Reliability of the data
4.2.7 Reflexivity
4.2.7.1 Personal
4.2.7.2 Functional
4.2.7.3 Disciplinary
4.2.8 Ethical Conduct of the Research
4.3 Chapter 4: CONCLUSION
5 DATA COLLECTION and ANALYSIS
5.1 INTRODUCTION:
5.2 PHASE 1
5.2.1 Overview
5.3 COLLECTION and ANALYSIS
5.3.1 Itinerary
5.3.1.1 Structure
5.3.2 Protocols
5.3.2.1 Notes
5.3.2.2 Observations
5.3.3 Data analysis
5.3.3.1 Coding
5.3.4 Key Observations
5.4 SUMMARY of phase 1
5.5 PHASE 2
5.5.1 Overview
5.6 COLLECTION and ANALYSIS
5.6.1 Itinerary
5.6.2 Transspective associations
5.6.3 Data analysis
5.6.3.1 Transcription
5.6.3.2 Interpretation
5.6.3.3 Thematic
5.6.3.4 Codes and themes
5.6.3.5 Semantic or latent
5.6.3.6 Data Clustering and Mapping
5.7 PHASE 2 SUMMARY
5.8 Chapter 5: CONCLUSION
6 DISCUSSION of EMERGENT THEMES AND TRANSCRIPTS
6.1 INTRODUCTION
6.2 EMERGENT THEMES
6.2.1 Thematic Data
6.2.2 Data Items
6.2.3 Key Points
6.2.4 Clusters
6.2.5 Relationship
6.3 TRANSCRIPT EXTRACTS
6.3.1 Approach
6.3.2 Extracts
6.4 Chapter 6: CONCLUSION
7 THESIS CONCLUSION
7.1 RECAP
7.1.1 Aim and Objectives Review
7.1.1.1 Objective 1
7.1.1.2 Objective 2
7.1.1.3 Objective 3
7.1.1.4 Objective 4
7.2 SUMMARY OF THE MAIN FINDINGS
7.2.1 Finding 1
7.2.2 Finding 2
7.2.3 Finding 3
7.2.4 Finding 4
7.3 CONTRIBUTIONS
7.3.1 Theoretical Contribution Overview
7.3.2 Practical Contribution Overview
7.3.3 Methodological Contribution Overview
7.4 LIMITATIONS
7.5 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH
Research Objectives and Key Themes
This thesis investigates knowledge transfer practices within the Muslim business community in Edinburgh. It explores how these practitioners define, interpret, and manage knowledge, aiming to provide a deeper theoretical understanding of their daily routines, personal perspectives, and the ideological influence of religious beliefs on business practices and knowledge flow.
- The intersection of personal belief systems and business knowledge transfer.
- Critique of existing business management models in a non-Western cultural context.
- The role of religion and faith as a primary knowledge source and governance framework.
- Methodological application of phenomenology in business research.
- Factors influencing knowledge stickiness and transfer efficiency among Muslim practitioners.
Excerpt from the book
6.3.2 Extracts
In this extract, participant A3 describes his interpretation of how useful the understanding of knowledge is to him and what it means from a personal experiential point of view.
I think that any business should be guided through your own ability. I don’t think it is correct that you need to check up this or that book if you don’t know how to do something. You need to use your own common sense sometimes or ask someone who knows better than you. Probably I would ask the Imam.
Summary of Chapters
1 INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY: Defines the scope of the research and the significance of studying knowledge transfer within the Muslim business community in Edinburgh.
2 PHILOSOPHY& KNOWLEDGE: Literature Review Part I: Provides a comprehensive critique of the philosophy of knowledge, defining its epistemic roots and its relevance to business contexts.
3 KNOWLEDGE AND BUSINESS INTERACTION: Literature Review Part II: Examines business models, knowledge management theories, and the practical dynamics of knowledge transfer and transfer efficiency.
4 RESEARCH DESIGN and METHODS: Details the interpretivist and phenomenological methodological approach chosen to explore personal perspectives and social interactions.
5 DATA COLLECTION and ANALYSIS: Describes the two-phase data collection process, involving participant observation and semi-structured interviews, and the subsequent thematic analysis.
6 DISCUSSION of EMERGENT THEMES AND TRANSCRIPTS: Synthesizes the findings and discusses the emergent themes through direct interview extracts, highlighting the role of religion in business.
7 THESIS CONCLUSION: Reviews the research objectives, summarizes the main findings, and provides final conclusions and recommendations for future study.
Keywords
Knowledge transfer, Muslim business community, Edinburgh, phenomenology, religion, Quran, knowledge management, tacit knowledge, explicit knowledge, business practices, social interaction, personal perspective, interpretivism, thematic analysis, competitive advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
This research examines how knowledge transfer is perceived and practiced within the Muslim business community in Edinburgh, specifically investigating the role of personal beliefs and religious perspectives in business decision-making.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The study focuses on the intersection of knowledge philosophy, business practice, the influence of religion on organizational behavior, and the personal interpretive frameworks used by practitioners.
What is the main research objective?
The primary aim is to gain a deeper theoretical and practical understanding of how knowledge is transferred in this specific community, moving beyond standard Western business models to acknowledge personal and cultural drivers.
Which methodology does the author employ?
The author uses a qualitative research design underpinned by an interpretivist paradigm and a phenomenological lens to capture the subjective, "deep and thick" data regarding individual participants' experiences.
What does the main body of the work address?
The work provides extensive literature reviews on knowledge philosophy and transfer mechanisms, followed by a detailed discussion of empirical findings derived from 20 participants through observation and interviews.
What defines this work’s unique contribution?
It highlights how ideological frameworks—specifically the Quranic perspective—act as a legitimate, singular source of knowledge and governance for these practitioners, contrasting with typical Western perspectives on knowledge stickiness and transfer.
How does the community handle business problems?
Instead of relying solely on formal management models, many participants seek guidance from religious leaders (the Imam) or look to the Quran, viewing business and personal life as unified through faith.
What do the participants perceive as "business success"?
Success is often interpreted through a moral and ethical lens rather than purely economic metrics; participants emphasize honest trade, avoiding "Haraam" activities, and fulfilling community responsibilities as primary markers of success.
- Citar trabajo
- Michael Fascia (Autor), 2013, An investigation of knowledge transfer practices within the Muslim business community in Edinburgh, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/418325
