ABSTRACT

The purpose of this research is to analyze the effect of transfer of knowledge on the improvement of the organizational performance. Based on the review of different perspectives in business and organizational approaches, we have adopted the Approach Based on Competences as the theoretical guidelines.

This approach is focused on the development of competences as a source for a sustainable competitive advantage. The distinctive competences play a main role on this purpose because the base for the development of this kind of competences is strategic assets, especially knowledge. The competitive advantages that come from knowledge depend on one hand from the nature of this resource, which makes it strategic, and on the other hand from its correct management. However, the possession of knowledge does not guarantee the sustainability of the competitive advantages. In order to obtain a sustainable competitive advantage it is necessary the transfer of knowledge. 

Under these considerations a theoretical model was established to explain the relationship between the antecedent factors with the transfer of knowledge and its effect on the organizational performance. The model was applied to companies of the hospitality sector in Spain. The outcomes proved the existence of a positive and significant effect of the antecedent factors (holistic vision of the organization, management for competencies, continue learning and technique infrastructure for information technologies) on the transfer of knowledge. On the other hand, they have also proved that the transfer of knowledge has a positive effect on the organizational performance, this effect can be considered as an indirect effect. 

Key words: Transfer of knowledge, holistic vision, management for competences, continue learning, technique infrastructure for information technologies, competitive advantage, strategic assets.