Toward an Integrated Framework of Knowledge Transfer: When Non-Profit Organizations Become International

Abstract

Existing literature lacks an in-depth exploration of Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) studying transnational religious rituals and scripture dissemination, leaving a notable research gap. The study integrated the SECI model with an institutional distance framework to create a new path analysis, this research aims to reveal interorganizational knowledge transfer dynamics within such religious groups, focusing on Tiandi Teachings (TT) in Taiwan and its Branches of the Japan Diocese (BJD). Employing extended case methodology with participant observation and semi-structured interviews, the study analyzed data using grounded theory and NVivo 12 software. It identified insights into knowledge transfer processes within international religious organizations, elucidating mechanisms for establishing local legitimacy and transferring religious knowledge across borders. This research contributes to understanding how religious organizations globalize, enriches institutional theory, and underscores the importance of integrating institutional concepts with knowledge transfer models. Its findings offer practical benefits to religious leaders, policymakers, and academics.