Challenges and Practices for Knowledge Transfer in Global Software Development: An Updated Literature Review

In recent years, the evolution of technology and the increasing globalization of work have significantly transformed the software development industry. Global Software Development (GSD) has become a prevalent practice, enabling companies to reduce costs, leverage time zone differences for continuous development, and access diverse talent pools worldwide. However, knowledge transfer among distributed teams remains a significant challenge, often resulting in inefficiencies, project delays, and decreased software quality. As organizations increasingly rely on geographically dispersed teams, understanding the barriers to effective knowledge transfer in GSD is essential. This study is motivated by the need to reassess knowledge transfer in GSD, especially considering recent advancements in communication tools, collaboration platforms, and the widespread shift to remote work. While previous studies, such as those conducted by Zahedi et al. (2016), have examined knowledge transfer challenges and practices in GSD, the rapid technological and organizational shifts over the past decade necessitate an updated literature review. This work aims to provide a comprehensive overview of distributed teams’ challenges in knowledge transfer and the emerging practices to address these issues. A systematic literature review was conducted, building on the work of Zahedi et al. (2016) by analyzing research published between 2014 and 2024. The study followed a rigorous research protocol, utilizing the Scopus database to identify relevant papers and extract key insights. The findings highlight persistent challenges, including communication barriers, cultural differences, time zone constraints, and difficulties managing knowledge within distributed teams. Social and organizational factors hinder effective knowledge transfer, such as a lack of trust and inadequate coordination. The literature points to several best practices for facilitating knowledge transfer, including on-site visits for remote employees, synchronous and asynchronous communication tools, structured documentation, training programs, and establishing communities of practice. This study contributes to the field by offering an updated perspective on knowledge transfer in GSD, providing valuable insights for organizations aiming to optimize their global collaboration strategies. Future work should compare these findings with previous studies to track the evolution of knowledge transfer practices over time and explore new organizational approaches that have emerged in response to the changing dynamics of distributed software development.