How to develop dynamic capabilities in multiunits: The roles of international experience and career capital

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a more robust understanding of how to develop dynamic capabilities (DCs) in multiunits by examining the roles of international experience and career capital.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a survey of a sample of 413 managers in multiunits and applies structural equation modeling to determine the relationships among variables.

Findings

The analyses identify international experience as an important antecedent for the career capital of managers in multiunits; further, they show the impact of knowing-how and knowing-why among the aspects of career capital in developing DCs in multiunits.

Practical implications

This study offers a practical trajectory for developing DCs in multiunits by leveraging the advantages of the international experience of managers and career capital (knowing-how and knowing-why).

Originality/value

Previous DC studies ignored the development of DCs in multiunits and ignored the role of the manager in multiunits. This paper contributes to the theoretical view of this subject in two important ways: first, it identifies a new pivotal role for career capital (knowing-how and knowing-why) in enabling DC development; second, it shows that the international experience of managers is an important antecedent of career capital advantage and of developing DCs in multiunit routines.

Citation

Lee, P.-Y. (2018), "How to develop dynamic capabilities in multiunits: The roles of international experience and career capital", Management Decision, Vol. 56 No. 2, pp. 344-357. https://doi.org/10.1108/MD-11-2016-0854