Elaborate on how transfer of knowledge to inappropriate contexts can adversely influence progression of knowledge through time.

Sure, here's a step-by-step explanation:

1. Definition of Knowledge Transfer: Knowledge transfer refers to the process through which one unit (e.g., group, department, or division) is affected by the experience of another. It's a method of reusing knowledge and best practices within an organization or among different organizations.

2. Transfer to Inappropriate Contexts: This refers to the application of knowledge or skills learned in one context being applied to another context where it may not be suitable or relevant. For example, a marketing strategy that worked well for a fast-food chain may not necessarily work for a luxury fashion brand.

3. Adverse Influence on Knowledge Progression: When knowledge is transferred to inappropriate contexts, it can lead to misunderstandings, misapplications, and ultimately, failure. This is because the transferred knowledge may not be applicable or effective in the new context. This can lead to incorrect conclusions being drawn, which can then be passed on as 'knowledge', thereby adversely affecting the progression of knowledge.

4. Example: For instance, if a successful strategy from a tech startup is applied to a centuries-old manufacturing company without considering the differences in their contexts (like target audience, company culture, market dynamics etc.), it could lead to ineffective strategies and poor decision-making. This could then be documented and passed on, leading to a cycle of ineffective knowledge transfer.

5. Prevention: To prevent this, it's important to consider the context when transferring knowledge. This includes understanding the similarities and differences between the source and target contexts, and adapting the knowledge to fit the new context. This way, the progression of knowledge can be preserved and enhanced, rather than adversely affected.