Transfer refers to moving an employee from one position, shift or department to another within the organization.
Transfer is a lateral move from one position to another that has similar pay and responsibility levels. Usually the differences between the jobs are minor. Management uses transfers most often to fill temporary vacacies. Sometimes positions are created as a reward to allow a person to intern with or understudy another, higher job. These "assistant to" positions help the transfree to study the higher job up close.
Transfers may be used when management is preparing to replace a person who is about to move up or out of the company. Transfers also are used to staff a new operation, department, or division with experienced workers.