The purpose is to present a refined categorization regarding factors that influence knowledge transfer, sharing, and flow and to show how previously identified barriers fit into this new categorization. This categorization focuses on the influencing factors’ relative effect on knowledge sharing and the following terms are introduced: (1) Facilitators (which denominate factors with positive influence), (2) Inhibitors (factors with negative influence) and (3) Obstacles (factors that obstruct knowledge sharing, until certain conditions or levels are fulfilled). Previously identified influencing factors are re- categorized and the new categories are supported by examples from four Swedish MNC’s and their Chinese manufacturing units.