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Integrative capability for successful partnering: a critical dynamic capability

Wei Jiang (Department of Marketing, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China)
Felix tinoziva Mavondo (Department of Marketing, Monash University, Melbourme, Australia)
Margaret Jekanyika Matanda (Department of Marketing, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia)

Management Decision

ISSN: 0025-1747

Article publication date: 13 July 2015

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to advance the concept of “integrative capability” as a critical dynamic capability (DC) and empirically investigate its implications for a firm’s sustainable competitive advantage in business partnerships.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on an empirical analysis of a sample of 300 manufacturing firms in south and central China.

Findings

Integrative capability is an important mediator in relationship between operational capabilities (managerial, marketing and technological capabilities) and firm performance. Integrative capability has a significant direct impact on a firm’s performance (marketing effectiveness and financial performance) and also indirect impact via the creation of new operational capabilities.

Practical implications

Managers should recognise the significant payoffs of developing integrative capability. Integrative capability helps a firm transfer the benefits of operational capabilities from alliances partners to superior firm performance. Further, integrative capability also effectively updates and renews a firm’s operational capabilities that lead to an enhanced firm performance.

Originality/value

Extending the DC literature, this study untangles the complex relationship among operational capabilities, DC and firm performance. Moreover, the study adds new insights into extant literature by conceptualising, operationalising and empirically testing one specific DC – integrative capability.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the two anonymous reviewers for their insightful comments. This study is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 71402154) and Research Foundation of Social Science from Fujian Provincial Department of Education of China (Grant No. JAS14018).

Citation

Jiang, W., Mavondo, F.t. and Matanda, M.J. (2015), "Integrative capability for successful partnering: a critical dynamic capability", Management Decision, Vol. 53 No. 6, pp. 1184-1202. https://doi.org/10.1108/MD-04-2014-0178

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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