Laura Zapata-Cantu, Josep Rialp and Ana Olga Rodríguez
This study aims to address the relevance of the mediating role of the relative absorptive capacity (ACAP-R) in the relation between absorptive capacity and innovation…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to address the relevance of the mediating role of the relative absorptive capacity (ACAP-R) in the relation between absorptive capacity and innovation, contributing to a better understanding of innovation in a business network. Participants’ firms in this study are part of the supply network of an automotive cluster.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is developed in 225 companies that are part of the supply network of an automotive cluster in Mexico. A survey was applied to key firm informants who had been involved on processes of innovation, quality or continuous improvement. During data analysis, structural equation modeling was implemented with the support of SmartPLS 3.0 to understand the mediation role of relative absorptive capacity as a novel insight of innovation in a Mexican cluster.
Findings
The results demonstrate the partial mediator role of the ACAP-R among the absorptive capacities and the level of innovation of the companies that make up the network studied. The findings represent an approach to the understanding of one of the key dynamic capacities in the innovation process and, thus, to the competitiveness of organizations, which has scarcely been studied from the perspective of business networks.
Research limitations/implications
The limitations of the research focus on the fact that the source of information in the surveys comes, in most cases, from the opinion of a key informant per unit surveyed, which is why there is a certain margin of subjectivity that could be reduced if there is more than one source of information in the same organization. It is also considered important that the information offered by the suppliers could be complemented by the opinion of clients. This would provide a more complete view of the circularity of information involved in inter-organizational exchanges.
Originality/value
The findings provide useful insights not only in terms of understanding the link between absorptive capacity and innovation, but also how to improve levels of innovation through knowledge exchanges that occur during the participation of suppliers and customers in a business network. Firms with high levels of ACAP are more likely to recognize the opportunity to benefit from external knowledge and to participate intensely in collaborative efforts. That is, technological similarity or similar knowledge base between source or recipient firms impacts their innovation.
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The overall aim of this paper is to identify the human capital and organizational factors that facilitate knowledge supporting system to boost innovation in emerging markets. The…
Abstract
Purpose
The overall aim of this paper is to identify the human capital and organizational factors that facilitate knowledge supporting system to boost innovation in emerging markets. The innovative capability of organizations depends undoubtedly on how successful they are in the generation of knowledge, either via external acquisition or internal creation, and how organizational culture, management support and human capital factors are significant.
Design/methodology/approach
To validate this phenomenon, a quantitative explanatory study was designed. Data collection was carried out through a questionnaire completed by 211 respondent of firms located in Mexico. During data analysis, structural equation modeling was implemented with the support of SmartPLS 3.0 to understand the moderating role of organizational factors and human capital between knowledge support system and innovativeness.
Findings
The findings show that it is fundamental to build theories grounded in the particular realities of Latin American countries. For instance, these results suggest that there are two paths of innovation in Mexico in which organizational and human factors play key but differentiated roles. On the one hand, organizational culture, top management support, commitment and openness to innovation are essential to building and maintaining a knowledge support system that enables innovation. Additionally, promoting people-oriented organizations is key to innovation. Human capital factors, such as collaborators' motivation, professional skills and the opportunity to learn, intensify the knowledge support system and innovative capability.
Research limitations/implications
The main limitations of the study are that only Mexican firms have been analyzed, and it is not possible to generalize the results to other contexts. Additionally, we have not identified whether the organizations that participated in the study originated in Mexico or are global enterprises that operate in Mexico. It could be significant to analyze whether multinationals from other countries that are operating in Mexico are more committed to learning to innovate than Mexican firms and the differences in their knowledge generation activities.
Practical implications
The results of this study invite: (1) Managers to develop strategic initiatives that systematically promote knowledge generation activities identifying external and internal activities that allow them to build and maintain a knowledge support system, (2) Organizations to promote collaborative spaces in which employees can work in teams and strengthen their social ties, identifying communication physical and virtual spaces to share new ideas, seek new ways of doing things, and explore new processes and activities. This process will be significant in a culture where resistance to change predefines how knowledge translates into innovation.
Social implications
The improvement of collaborators skills must be accompanied by other policies to enhance the innovation and business environment including the modernization and expansion of infrastructure. It is fundamental that governments firms and universities jointly develop a research agenda that will lead to the identification of significant issues and the effectiveness of solutions to foster innovation in Mexico. Only a holistic approach is likely to help the country move up the value chain and become a knowledge economy. In fact innovation is seen as a social process of public sector organizations that promote knowledge infrastructure such as universities and the government agencies that produce knowledge.
Originality/value
These results suggest that there are two paths of innovation in Mexico in which organizational and human factors play a key but differentiated role. In Mexican firms, innovative capability is possible due to knowledge support systems built on organizational factors, and human capital factors, such as professional skills and motivation for opportunities to learn which intensify innovation.
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Laura Zapata-Cantu, Jose Humberto Cantu Delgado and Fernando R. Gonzalez
The purpose of this paper is to identify those resources and capabilities that enable national award-winning organizations to generate value to their stakeholders and provide…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify those resources and capabilities that enable national award-winning organizations to generate value to their stakeholders and provide evidence to institutions holding business excellence model (BEM)-based programs of how dynamic capabilities theory can enhance excellence models.
Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative research based on systematic review and content analysis.
Findings
Empirical evidence supports that BEMs should consider the resource-based view and dynamic capabilities perspective as a basis for their continuous improvement. These theoretical perspectives consider resources and capabilities for the successful execution of the strategic plan and for a faster response to environmental changes through dynamic capabilities.
Research limitations/implications
The study is based on a systematic review and content analysis of evidence submitted by three national quality awards from Europe, Singapore and Mexico. This research should be extended to other national quality award companies, and their customers’ and suppliers’ insights should be considered.
Practical implications
Regardless of corporate sector, organizations must recognize that visionary leadership is vital to their management models; a strategic plan and competent staff to execute the model are also of great importance. In addition, institutions holding BEM-based programs should evaluate incorporating dimensions related to dynamic capabilities and emphasize those strongly related to national culture.
Originality/value
Few studies in the BEMs literature have conducted resources and capabilities analysis from a multi-country perspective.
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Laura Zapata Cantú, Josep Rialp Criado and Alex Rialp Criado
The purpose of this paper is to examine the generation and transfer of knowledge in information technology‐related small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the generation and transfer of knowledge in information technology‐related small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a survey of 105 employees from 30 organizations in Barcelona, Spain, the authors use a structural equation approach to validate the conceptual model.
Findings
Personal motivation and the opportunity to learn from other employees are critical to generate knowledge. The attitudes and abilities of those who take part in the transfer process are also relevant, and this is especially true in cases when knowledge is highly tacit. Personal development is one example of knowledge‐based organizational and social development.
Practical implications
The results point to the importance of the roles of managers and employees as bearers of initiative, voluntary effort and commitment. At the same time, they suggest that the firm's strategic planning process should include the knowledge to be transferred.
Originality/value
Two phases of knowledge management are studied, generation and transfer in IT‐related SMEs, and this study demonstrates how these processes are relevant.
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Laura E Zapata Cantu and Carlota Eugenia Mondragon
The purpose of this paper is to identify those organizational and personal elements that enable not-for-profit organizations (NPOs) to generate and transfer knowledge. NPOs are…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify those organizational and personal elements that enable not-for-profit organizations (NPOs) to generate and transfer knowledge. NPOs are under pressure to use their financial and human resources efficiently, and to improve their activities and services constantly. Knowledge management as a strategy would ensure NPOs’ sustainability and rapid adaptation to dynamic environments.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative study based on interviews, documents and questionnaires was conducted in 28 Mexican NPOs.
Findings
Three main findings were identified: First, Mexican NPOs generate knowledge through courses and seminars based on volunteers’ personal motivation and organizational culture. Second, informal communication media are widely utilized to transfer organizational knowledge. Third, personal commitment to the organization’s mission and trust in their colleagues’ social actions are crucial for knowledge transfer effectiveness, rather than organizational elements.
Research limitations/implications
Results scope of this study is limited to the NPOs under study. The findings expose some highlights for knowledge management process in NPOs in Mexico which would be tested in further research.
Practical implications
Contrary to knowledge management in profit organizations, NPOs must recognize that personal motivation, commitment and trust in organization’s mission and social actions are crucial rather than organizational culture and top management support.
Social implications
NPOs must convert their tacit knowledge to explicit knowledge, which allows NPOs to be transparent and effective, and to have access to more funding opportunities and to replicate their best practices throughout the organization.
Originality/value
There are only few studies of knowledge management processes in NPOs. Some considerations have to be done with respect to personal motivation, commitment and trust, as well as organizational elements.
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Miguel R. Olivas‐Lujan, Jacobo Ramirez and Laura Zapata‐Cantu
Using information and communication technologies to deliver human resource services (also known as e‐HRM) has become an important strategy for firms seeking to achieve a…
Abstract
Purpose
Using information and communication technologies to deliver human resource services (also known as e‐HRM) has become an important strategy for firms seeking to achieve a competitive advantage. A case‐based study was carried out with the purpose of investigating how four of the most competitive Mexican firms are implementing their e‐HRM strategy.
Design/methodology/approach
Literature from e‐HRM and human resource management in Latin America is reviewed and integrated. Four case studies developed in Mexican firms are depicted.
Findings
Evidence suggests that, to fully understand the way e‐HRM is used in firms from emerging economies, it is important to take into consideration local idiosyncrasies.
Originality/value
This study integrates Latin American dimensions of HR management in the study of e‐HRM, a budding research stream that is under‐investigated in emerging countries.
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Laura Zapata, Gerardo Ibarra and Pierre-Henri Blancher
New ways of working have rapidly increased in organizations, promising employees a better control over their work time, space, and more autonomy. The present study analyzes the…
Abstract
Purpose
New ways of working have rapidly increased in organizations, promising employees a better control over their work time, space, and more autonomy. The present study analyzes the relationship between new ways of working and employee engagement and productivity.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey was conducted to evaluate organizational practices developed based on flexible schemes and the relevance of employee engagement for better productivity based on digital tools. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.
Findings
New ways of work requires an integration of workspaces' design, social interaction, and individual wellness. Organizations need to recognize how employees' trust, commitment, and passion are fundamental to face current and future changes. Flexibility in time and space and digital tools for work are critical.
Practical implications
A personalization of organizational practices to support individual well-being and flexible and hybrid schemes of work are needed. Developing policies collaboratively to work together respectfully in a hybrid environment is necessary.
Social implications
Hybrid work format is allowing women to balance career and childcare, reducing the wage gap with men. The green imperative has also played a role reducing the amount of carbon monoxide produced via commuter.
Originality/value
The present study exposes how organizational practices must ensure employee well-being and autonomy to perform their tasks. In this regard, employees need to be recognized as individuals, physically and mentally. Attempting to force a one-size-fit-all solution can have detrimental effects on the workforce, particularly on women, people of lower socioeconomic status, and people in less advanced economies. Personalization requests empowerment and democratization at work.
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Stefano Amato, Laura Broccardo and Andrea Tenucci
This study investigates the association between family firm status and the maturity level of management control systems (MCSs) by considering the moderating effect of process…
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates the association between family firm status and the maturity level of management control systems (MCSs) by considering the moderating effect of process digitalization.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted an empirical analysis on a sample of 106 Italian firms, utilizing both ordinary least squares and ordered logistic regression in this study.
Findings
By resorting to the MCS maturity model proposed by Marx et al. (2012), the empirical findings reveal that family firms do not differ from their nonfamily counterparts regarding MCS maturity. Furthermore, the degree of process digitalization is positively associated with the probability of adopting IT-related technologies in MCSs. Digitalization negatively moderates the relationship between family firm status and MCS maturity, resulting in family firms exhibiting a lower MCS maturity level than their nonfamily counterparts.
Research limitations/implications
Despite similar efforts in the digitalization process, family firms lag behind in the adoption of IT-enabled MCSs, which suggests that reduced agency issues in family firms constrain the MCS maturity level.
Practical implications
This study can assist practitioners in implementing a more mature MCS by considering the interplay between internal digitalization processes and family status of the firm, thereby enhancing the decision-making process.
Originality/value
This study adds novelty to an underexplored area at the intersection of MCSs, family firms and digitalization.
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This study aims to investigate the relationship between all three dimensions of perceived strategic value of m-commerce (operational support, managerial productivity and strategic…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the relationship between all three dimensions of perceived strategic value of m-commerce (operational support, managerial productivity and strategic decision aids), antecedents of m-commerce (organizational readiness, external context and m-commerce competence) and m-commerce adoption. The present study will further examine a mediation model in which all three dimensions of perceived strategic value of m-commerce affect m-commerce adoption through IT investment.
Design/methodology/approach
An online survey questionnaire was adopted to test the validity of this research and hypotheses. Data were collected from 178 Chinese family businesses via snowball sampling.
Findings
The results show that all three dimensions of perceived strategic value of m-commerce (operational support, managerial productivity and strategic decision aids) are positively connected to m-commerce adoption. Also, it was found that IT investment partially or fully mediates the relationship between all these dimensions of perceived strategic value of m-commerce and m-commerce adoption.
Originality/value
This study would enhance owners' and managers' understanding of the relationship between perceived strategic value of m-commerce, IT investment, antecedents of m-commerce and m-commerce adoption, thus contributing to their future adoption.