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Article
Publication date: 21 October 2020

Guiyang Zhang and Chaoying Tang

The purpose of the paper is to advance a framework that can analyze the impact of the egocentric alliance network on firm ambidextrous innovation holistically. On this purpose…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to advance a framework that can analyze the impact of the egocentric alliance network on firm ambidextrous innovation holistically. On this purpose, the framework involves and integrates structural holes (SH), alliance functional diversity (AFD) and alliance partner geographical diversity (APGD) that measure network characteristics from structural, relational and nodal perspectives, respectively.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected multi-source matching panel data including alliance deals, technical patents and financial information during 2000–2017 of the 106 top high-tech firms in the computer, communications, electronics and biopharmaceutical industries and conducted a three-way interaction model to uncover the complex mechanisms from a contingency perspective.

Findings

Empirical results show that SH as structural capital is positive to both exploitative and exploratory innovation. Both AFD as relational capital and APGD as cognitive capital positively moderate the SH-exploitative innovation nexus rather than the SH-exploratory innovation nexus. APGD and AFD co-moderate the relationship between SH and firm ambidextrous innovation in the way that when APGD and AFD are both high, SH has the strongest positive impacts on firm exploitative and exploratory innovation.

Originality/value

This research provides new insights into the benefit-cost paradox of the structural brokerage position (SH) by uncovering relational (AFD) and nodal (APGD) network characteristics that impact the trade-off. Also, it contributes to social capital theory by differentiating three dimensions of network capital (structural, relational and cognitive capital) and integrating them into ambidextrous innovation research. Finally, the findings give firms enlightenment to configure their egocentric alliance network for innovation ambidexterity.

Details

European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. 25 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-1060

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 June 2019

Chunhsien Wang, Min-Nan Chen and Ching-Hsing Chang

The purpose of this paper is to investigate alliance partner diversity (APD) as a driving force that potentially enhances firms’ innovation generation (IG) in interfirm open…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate alliance partner diversity (APD) as a driving force that potentially enhances firms’ innovation generation (IG) in interfirm open alliance contexts. The authors propose that APD enhances IG but that the effects depend on both alliance network position and the double-edged external knowledge search strategy. Building on the knowledge-based view and social capital theory, the authors formally model how external knowledge search strategies can lead to productive or destructive acquisitions of external knowledge in interfirm open alliance networks. The authors theorize that when an individual firm adopts a central position in a complex interfirm open alliance network, its propensity toward beneficial IG depends on its knowledge search strategy (i.e. its breadth and depth) due to the joint influence of network position and knowledge search strategy on innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an original large-scale survey of high-tech firms, this study shows that the relationship between partner diversity and IG is contingent on a firm’s network position and knowledge search strategy. The authors also offer an original analysis of how knowledge search strategy (i.e. its breadth and depth) in network centrality (NC) affects the efficacy of knowledge acquisition in interfirm open alliance networks. Empirically, the authors provide an original contribution to the open innovation literature by integrating social capital and knowledge-based theory to rigorously measure firm IG.

Findings

Overall, our findings suggest that the knowledge search strategy imparts a double-edged effect that may promote or interfere with external knowledge in IG in the context of the diversity of alliance partners.

Research limitations/implications

The work has important limitations, such as its analysis of a single industry in the empirical models. Therefore, further studies should consider multiple industries that may provide useful insights into innovation decisions.

Practical implications

External knowledge search is valuable, particularly in the high-tech industry, as external knowledge acquisition generates innovation output. This study serves to raise managers’ awareness of various approaches to external knowledge searches and highlights the importance of network position in knowledge acquisition from interfirm open alliance collaborations.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to investigate the double-edged effect of knowledge search on interfirm open alliance networks. It also contributes to the theoretical and practical literature on interfirm open alliance networks by reflecting on external knowledge search and underlying network centrality and APD factors.

Details

European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. 23 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-1060

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 March 2021

Luis Miguel Bolivar, Ignacio Castro-Abancéns, Cristóbal Casanueva and Angeles Gallego

The purpose of this study is to examine how access and mobilisation of network resources influence a firm's performance. It has been established that alliance portfolio (AP…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how access and mobilisation of network resources influence a firm's performance. It has been established that alliance portfolio (AP) network parameters shape the access to network resources; however, resource access understood as value creation differs from resource mobilisation understood as value capture. Hence, the paper contributes towards the comprehension of AP performance by examining the extent to which a firm's level of network resource mobilisation (NRM) plays a role in improving financial performance and how this strategy conditions the benefits obtained from a firm's AP.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs an interorganisational network approach to describe the APs of firms; subsequently, it examines how AP network parameters and resource mobilisation determine financial performance. To this end, sequential multiple regression models are applied to a sample from the Top International Airlines database, covering 135 portfolios that correspond to 1117 codeshare partnerships.

Findings

The analyses show that the NRM level has an inverted U-shaped relationship with revenue performance, thereby revealing the limitations and considerations in the strategic alliance strategy. In addition, the authors show how the resource mobilisation decision moderates the faculty of AP parameters to influence a firm's financial performance, thereby exposing the nuanced relationship between AP size, diversity and redundancy. The findings convey strategic and practical implications for managers regarding how to capture value from their APs.

Practical implications

The findings suggest the need for NRM to form part of a firm's AP management capability, so that, by acquiring superior strategic knowledge in NRM, the firm is able to extract value from its AP through the optimal exploitation of complementary assets.

Originality/value

Previous research has highlighted the multidimensional nature of APs at the theoretical level; however, no simultaneous empirical analysis of various AP parameters has yet been produced. The research empirically analyses an AP network and how its parameters affect financial performance in the presence of a resource mobilisation strategy. Not only do the authors introduce the analysis of the curvilinear relationship between the level of NRM and a firm's performance, but also of its role in advancing the AP literature.

Article
Publication date: 11 September 2017

Xiaoyan Wang and Haijun Bao

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the operation strategy of high-performance alliance portfolios by analyzing the effect of alliance portfolios on the performance of focal…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the operation strategy of high-performance alliance portfolios by analyzing the effect of alliance portfolios on the performance of focal firms, using post-structuralism of social network theory and contingency theory. In detail, this paper refines alliance portfolios into three dimensions, and studies the moderating role of context on the relation between alliance portfolios and firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical study was carried out with second-hand data gathered from Internal Revenue Service. In total, this paper gathered data from 506 focal firms in Zhejiang Province from 2001 to 2010 as the sample to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Based on the empirical results, the authors find the positive effect of relational dimension (weak alliance portfolios) and partner dimension (the diversity of partners) on performance. The effect of the former will become weaker with the increasing environmental dynamic, while the effect of the latter will become stronger. However, the structural dimension (alliance portfolios size) and relational dimension (new partners) have the negative effect on performance. And the negative effect will become stronger under high environmental dynamic. Moreover, the negative effect of non-local partners on performance becomes stronger when the environmental dynamic is high.

Research limitations/implications

The paper reveals that with the industry transformation caused by “internet +,” companies have been required go beyond traditional dyadic alliance management perspective. That is to say, individual alliance relationship should be seen as a part of a much broader picture of alliance portfolio. As such, the framework may help companies to manage their alliance portfolios by matching high-performance alliance portfolios to the external environment to produce a synergistic effect (Lea et al., 2006; Tritos et al., 2013; Keith et al., 2014) taking the characteristics of the configuration of alliance portfolios into consideration.

Originality/value

The paper presents a model that explains the effect of three dimensions of alliance portfolios on the performance of focal firms in different contexts through empirical study. This paper also integrates post-structuralism of social network theory and contingency theory to enable the understanding on the configuration of alliance portfolios.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 117 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 November 2015

Pedro Mota Veiga and Mário Franco

The purpose of this study is to understand in what way the business strategy of a firm operating on a global scale is linked to its alliance portfolio,from the product-market…

2501

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand in what way the business strategy of a firm operating on a global scale is linked to its alliance portfolio,from the product-market matrix of Ansoff (1957) and the resources-partners matrix of Yasuda and Iijima (2005).

Design/methodology/approach

To meet this objective,the case study method was adopted,with data being obtained from interviews and documentary analysis of the selected firm/case: Borgstena Textile (BT).

Findings

Based on a content analysis approach,it was possible to observe an alliance portfolio with advantages for BT and include those partnerships in the four quadrants referring to the nature of resources and partners defined by Yasuda and Iijima. In terms of growth strategy,BT simultaneously defined the typology of product-market strategies proposed by Ansoff,i.e. BT tries to use strategic alliances to execute specific business strategies.

Practical implications

This research seeks to make a practical contribution,identifying the main association between the alliance portfolio and several specific firm strategies. This may allow better understanding of the composition of the alliance portfolio and,in this way,improve strategic management. This means that alliances should be managed as a whole and not in a dyadic way.

Originality/value

This study is innovative because it seeks to make a contribution to the literature,from a theoretical perspective,by developing two matrixes by Ansoff (1957) and Yasuda and Iijima (2005). These frameworks allow us to analyze the relationship between alliance portfolio and business strategy.

Details

Management Research Review, vol. 38 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8269

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 November 2022

Yan Zhao, Niannian Qi, Luying Li, Zheng Li, Xiao Han and Ling Xuan

Facing the global public health emergency (GPHE), the conflict of cultural differences and the imbalance of vital resources such as knowledge among different organizations are…

Abstract

Purpose

Facing the global public health emergency (GPHE), the conflict of cultural differences and the imbalance of vital resources such as knowledge among different organizations are becoming more severe, which affects the enthusiasm and sustainability of firms' innovation heavily. It is an urgent problem to be solved for firms how to make use of internal knowledge and external power to help firms' sustainable innovation (FSI). Thus, the purpose of this study is to deeply analyze how firms' internal knowledge diversity (KD) and external ego-network structures [ego-network density (ED) and honest brokers (HB)] affect FSI, as well as how the ego-network structures (ED and HB) moderate the relationship between KD and FSI based on the perspective of the ego network.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the data of the alliance innovation networks of China's new energy industries in 2009–2019, this study uses the social network analysis method and negative binomial regression model to explore the effect of KD and ego-network structures (ED and HB) on FSI, as well as the moderating effects of ego-network structures (ED and HB) on the relationship between KD and FSI based on the perspective of ego network.

Findings

This study finds that KD, ED and HB can boost FSI. Moreover, ED plays a negative moderating role in the relationship between KD and FSI. However, the negative moderating effect of HB on the relationship between KD and FSI is not significant.

Research limitations/implications

This study presents fresh empirical evidence and new insights for firms on how to make full use of firms' internal KD and external ego-network structures to facilitate FSI.

Originality/value

First, this study not only enriches the research on the consequences of KD but also expands our understanding of the knowledge-based view to some extent. Second, this study not only enriches the motivation research of the FSI based on the perspective of ego-network in the context of the GPHE but also expands the application scope of social network theory and sustainable innovation' theory in part. Third, this paper is a new attempt to apply social network theory and knowledge-based view at the same time.

Article
Publication date: 2 January 2024

Xianglin Zhu, Naiding Yang, Mingzhen Zhang and Yu Wang

Technical knowledge is a key factor in firm innovation. This study aims to construct a theoretical framework of technological boundary-spanning search, exploratory innovation and…

Abstract

Purpose

Technical knowledge is a key factor in firm innovation. This study aims to construct a theoretical framework of technological boundary-spanning search, exploratory innovation and exploitative innovation to help firms adjust their search strategies and improve the effect of external resources on internal innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses questionnaires to collect data and conducts empirical analysis using SPSS25 and AMOS24.

Findings

Technological boundary-spanning search is positively correlated with ambidextrous innovation. Additionally, knowledge base positively moderates the effect of technological boundary-spanning search on ambidextrous innovation and knowledge distance negatively moderates the effect of technological boundary-spanning search on ambidextrous innovation. When a firm’s knowledge base is robust, its ambidextrous innovation can benefit more from technological boundary-spanning search. Additionally, when the knowledge distance is less, a firm’s ambidextrous innovation can benefit more from technological boundary-spanning search.

Originality/value

Considering organizational ambidexterity, this study divides firm innovation into exploratory innovation and exploitative innovation and presents a theoretical framework for the effect of technological boundary-spanning search on ambidextrous innovation. Additionally, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the crucial roles of knowledge base and knowledge distance in the relationship between technological boundary-spanning search and exploratory and exploitative innovation.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 62 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 June 2018

Jyotirmoyee Bhattacharjya

The purpose of this paper is to explore the egocentric network-based strategies used by upstream firms to ensure their own resilience when the disruptions originate with…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the egocentric network-based strategies used by upstream firms to ensure their own resilience when the disruptions originate with downstream partners.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a case study approach as this is well-suited to the investigation of a complex phenomenon from multiple perspectives.

Findings

The study finds that the egocentric networks of upstream firms participating in the supply network of a retailer could ensure their own resilience even after the sudden demise of the downstream entity.

Originality/value

The study addresses the lack of adequate empirical research examining resilience from the perspectives of multiple entities in a supply network. It is also one of the few papers to address resilience from the perspective of upstream players in the context of a disruption originating with downstream partners. The findings suggest that the lack of visibility in relation to the financial health of more powerful downstream partners could be problematic from a supplier’s perspective. It identifies well-developed egocentric networks as being essential for minimizing consequences of limited downstream visibility and the impact on social capital.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 48 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 June 2013

Baiyun Gong, Xin He and Huei‐Min Hsu

The purpose of this paper is to distinguish different types of guanxi from a historic perspective and to investigate the effects of different types of guanxi on trust between…

1805

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to distinguish different types of guanxi from a historic perspective and to investigate the effects of different types of guanxi on trust between alliance partners through an empirical study.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first reviews the role of guanxi in Chinese history and identifies two types of guanxi. Next, it reports an empirical study that tests the effects of these two types of guanxi on interorganizational trust through a survey among automobile parts suppliers in China.

Findings

First, this paper identifies two types of guanxi: role‐based hierarchical guanxi endorsed by Confucianism and soil‐rooted egocentric guanxi derived from daily practices of Chinese people. The ever changing social environment in Chinese history supports a spiral development model of guanxi evolution. Each of the two types of guanxi takes a dominant position in different periods of time. Second, a subsequent empirical study demonstrates that, in today's Chinese business environment, role‐based guanxi makes a more significant impact on interorganizational trust than soil‐rooted guanxi. Moreover, these two types of guanxi produce a positive synergistic effect and facilitate each other in boosting interorganizational trust.

Originality/value

This is the first paper that identifies and empirically tests the effects of role‐based hierarchical guanxi and soil‐rooted egocentric guanxi. More broadly, the paper highlights the importance of studying guanxi from a historic perspective. It demonstrates how a historical analysis may further the understanding of guanxi and its effect on interorganizational trust in today's business context.

Details

Journal of Management History, vol. 19 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1751-1348

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 23 September 2005

Joy Godesiabois

Most of us have experienced the “small world” phenomenon; you meet a stranger while traveling or waiting in a queue, for example, and begin to discuss where you are from, what…

Abstract

Most of us have experienced the “small world” phenomenon; you meet a stranger while traveling or waiting in a queue, for example, and begin to discuss where you are from, what type of work you do, or why you are at this certain location. Surprisingly, you and the stranger discover you both know the same person, possibly from your hometown, academic department, or children's school. You both remark “what a small world” and then go on your way. Small worlds are just one example of social networks, or how individuals know one another. Social scientists have been interested in this phenomenon since the 1930s and have developed network analysis tools to gain an understanding of how social networks are formed and evolve. These methods have improved significantly over the past 15 years and may provide an informative lens through which to investigate international entrepreneurship (IE).

Details

International Entrepreneurship
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-76231-227-6

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