How knowledge sharing connects interpersonal trust and innovation capability

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 276-298 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Lei ◽  
Thuong Thi Nguyen ◽  
Phong Ba Le
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Product Innovation ◽  
Interpersonal Trust ◽  
Process Innovation ◽  
Psychological State ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Service Firms ◽  
Innovation Capability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects

Purpose Knowledge sharing (KS) and innovation are generally believed as the antecedents of key outcomes that help firms to attain and sustain competitive advantage in long term. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the mechanism of how interpersonal trust and leader support affect KS and improve firm’s innovation capabilities. Design/methodology/approach This is a research paper which is built using empirical data collected from 68 manufacturing and service firms in China. Findings First, the findings show that leader supports moderate the correlation between interpersonal trust and KS. Second, KS serves as mediator in the relationship between interpersonal trust and firm’s innovation capabilities. Research limitations/implications KS plays a crucial role in stimulating innovation capabilities for both manufacturing and service firms. Future research should explore the effects of the motivational factors (such as positive psychological state, perceived benefits and costs) on KS and firm’s innovation capabilities. Practical implications The paper provides the evidence for the positive effects of interpersonal trust on KS, which in turn is significantly associated with product innovation and process innovation. It highlights the important role of leader supports in promoting the degree of sharing knowledge among individuals to enhance innovation capabilities for firms. Originality/value This study puts the theory of innovation forward based on exploring the key factors that have potential and positive impacts on two specific types of innovation capability, namely, product innovation and process innovation, for both manufacturing and service firms.

Bridging employee curiosity and service creativity: a new lens

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kuen-Hung Tsai ◽  
Li-li Zheng
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Service Firms ◽  
Frontline Employees ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Task Autonomy ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
And Task

PurposeThis study develops a framework to examine how, why and when different traits of employee curiosity affect service creativity by considering the roles of knowledge sharing and task autonomy.Design/methodology/approachTo reduce common method bias, this work separated the variables investigated into three parts, each of which was randomly used to collect data at three different periods. A total of 822 matched questionnaires obtained from frontline employees of service firms provided useable data for hypothesis tests. A moderated mediation approach was employed to analyse the data.FindingsResults are as follows: (1) Deprivation sensitivity, joyous exploration and social curiosity have positive effects on knowledge collecting (KC) and knowledge donating (KD). (2) KD mediates the relationships between the three curiosity traits and service creativity. (3) Task autonomy enhances and suppresses the mediating effects of KC and KD, respectively, on the curiosity–service creativity relationship.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has two main research implications: First, as different types (traits) of employee curiosity have different effects on service creativity, a single-dimensional view of employee curiosity may mask the differences of individual dimension and lead to a oversimplified conclusion. Second, lifting the vein from employee curiosity to service creativity has to consider the roles of knowledge sharing and task autonomy.Originality/valueThis research is the first to contribute to the service innovation literature by revealing the underlying mechanisms through which different types of employee curiosity affect service creativity and uncovering the moderating roles of task autonomy in the process mechanisms.

Re-thinking and re-operationalizing product innovation capability

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 374-397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sumeet Om Sharma ◽  
Angela Martin
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Research ◽  
Product Innovation ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Process Management ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Dynamic Capability ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Innovation Capability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Measurement Models

Purpose This paper aims to enhance the understanding of the essence of product innovation capability (PIC) as a dynamic capability by systematically assessing its conceptualization and construct validity. The paper answers the call by numerous researchers to undertake research efforts to better understand and operationalize dynamic capability constructs. Design/methodology/approach A priori and scholarly contentions based on complementarities between the tenets of three prominent frameworks (Dynamic Capability View, Process Management and Organizational Ambidexterity) were utilized for conducting a theoretical triangulation, as presented in the paper. Established approaches to explication and measurement of multi-dimensional latent constructs were used for guiding this paper. Findings This paper enhances the conceptualization of dynamic capabilities and identifies a lacuna in frequently adopted PIC operationalization approaches that is pertinent to other dynamic capabilities. It presents substantive and specific prescriptions for enabling the development of superior capability (both dynamic and operational) measurement models in empirical research. Research limitations/implications The diverse implications for research and practice are discussed in the paper alongside suggestions for future research. Originality/value This paper guides future theoretical and empirical research by reviewing the conception and validity of PIC. It presents a comprehensive conception of dynamic capabilities by extending the dynamic capability definition to address the identified problems. The arguments presented have wide-ranging applications and broad generalizability across multiple research fields.

Mastering innovation in the manufacturing sector

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Product Innovation ◽  
Manufacturing Sector ◽  
Service Innovation ◽  
Process Innovation ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Essential Condition ◽  
Digital Service ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Machinery Manufacturing

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings This research paper concentrates on understanding the types of innovation that can boost the profit margins of manufacturing companies in Spain. Digital service innovation can be a welcome factor that meshes with product innovation and process innovation, to enhance profits within defined manufacturing sub-sectors – namely computer manufacturing and machinery manufacturing. These processes should be introduced and pursued simultaneously, as an essential condition for producing positive effects on profitability. In other sub-sectors, the digital service innovation isn't required, since this merely adds a neutral impact to the profit-driving effects of the effective duo of process innovation and product innovation. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers’ hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Innovation capability configuration and its influence on the relationship between perceived innovation requirement and organizational performance

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (8) ◽  
pp. 1316-1331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ming-Feng Su ◽  
Kuo-Chih Cheng ◽  
Shao-Hsi Chung ◽  
Der-Fa Chen
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Product Innovation ◽  
Information Quality ◽  
Process Innovation ◽  
Innovation Strategy ◽  
Innovation Capability ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovation Capacity ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose When the management of an information technology (IT) manufacturing firm perceives a need for innovation due to any threat in the external environment, it will be prompted to use organizational resources to support innovation and improve organizational performance through the implementation of the innovation. The purpose of this paper is to explore whether an IT manufacturing firm’s budget slack, information quality of information system (IS), process innovation and product innovation would interact to collectively form an innovation capacity, which is termed “innovation capability configuration (ICC)”, and whether ICC mediates the relationship between perceived innovation requirement and organizational performance. Design/methodology/approach To answer these questions, a structural equation model was built and a questionnaire survey was conducted to collect data from research and development and production managers of IT manufacturing companies listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange and Over-The-Counter markets. Findings The results showed that budget slack, IS information quality, process innovation and product innovation are all significantly related to ICC, in which high-quality information and low level of budget slack are the key factors that underpin the innovation capacity. In addition, ICC has a full mediation effect, that is, perceived innovation requirement positively influences ICC, which, in turn, improves organizational performance. Research limitations/implications Because all items in a questionnaire were answered by a manager, the common method variance might exist in this study. In addition, the effective recovery rate of the questionnaire was not high due to which the non-response bias might occur. Following the research limitations, several future research recommendations are proposed. Practical implications This study offers managerial implications for the development of an IT manufacturing firm’s innovation strategy and structure to smooth the implementation of innovation in the severe environment. Originality/value The study is the first attempt to integrate the four elements clearly illustrating the ICC, which is a more complete innovation strategy, thus contributing to improve the past fragmental studies and clarify some controversial points existing in the extant innovation research.

Knowledge sharing serves as a mediator between collaborative culture and innovation capability: an empirical research

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (7) ◽  
pp. 958-969 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhi Yang ◽  
Van Thithuy Nguyen ◽  
Phong Ba Le
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Latent Variables ◽  
Product Innovation ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Process Innovation ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Collaborative Culture ◽  
Chinese Firms ◽  
Content Type

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the correlation between collaborative culture, knowledge sharing and innovation capabilities in Chinese firms. Design/methodology/approach This paper used structural equation modeling to examine the level of how collaborative culture and knowledge sharing impact on two types of innovation capabilities (product innovation and process innovation) based on using data collected from 77 Chinese firms. Findings The research findings show that knowledge sharing plays a mediating role between collaborative culture and two specific types of innovation, namely, product innovation and process innovation. The paper first confirms the moderating role of ownership form in the relationships between knowledge sharing and innovation capabilities. The results underline the necessity of building a collaborative culture to stimulate employees’ knowledge sharing behavior, which in turn positively promotes innovation capabilities in an organization. Research limitations/implications The paper has not evaluated the relationship between latent variables under the condition of moderating variables of individual characteristics (such as optimism and self-efficacy) or firm characteristics (such as industry type, firm size and firm age). Further research should examine the moderating effects of these variables to have clearer relationship between the constructs. Practical implications This paper offers leaders a deeper understanding of the effects of ownership forms and potential factors to promote innovation capabilities in their firms. Originality/value The paper has contributed to theoretical and practical initiatives on the theory of innovation management which enable firms to identify the necessary factors and mechanism to enhance firm capabilities for innovation.

Investigating the effects of psychological empowerment and interpersonal conflicts on employees’ knowledge sharing intentions

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 1039-1076 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei-Tsong Wang ◽  
Yi-Shun Wang ◽  
Wan-Ting Chang
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Psychological Empowerment ◽  
Interpersonal Trust ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Interpersonal Conflicts ◽  
Relationship Conflicts ◽  
And Task

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how different forms of interpersonal conflicts and employees’ psychological empowerment may affect knowledge sharing intentions directly or indirectly via interpersonal trust in the workplace.Design/methodology/approachSurvey data collected from 249 employees of 37 of the top 500 corporations in the manufacturing industry in Taiwan were used for the data analysis. The research model was analyzed using the component-based structural equation modeling technique, namely, the partial least squares (PLS) approach.FindingsThe results indicate that both relationship and task conflicts have significant indirect effects on employees’ knowledge sharing intentions via psychological empowerment and trust. Additionally, psychological empowerment significantly influences employees’ knowledge sharing intentions both directly and indirectly via trust.Research limitations/implicationsThe primary theoretical implication is an advancement in the understanding of the critical antecedents of and their different effects on employees’ knowledge sharing intentions from the perspectives of conflict management and individual psychological empowerment. Future research may concentrate on investigating the bidirectional interactions among trust, relationship conflicts and task conflicts in different knowledge-sharing contexts.Practical implicationsThis study provides practical insights into conflict resolution intended to facilitate psychological empowerment and interpersonal trust that encourage knowledge sharing in the workplace.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first knowledge sharing study that empirically examines how task and relationship conflicts affect employees’ knowledge sharing intentions differently via the mediation of their perceived psychological empowerment and interpersonal trust in one another in the workplace.

The mediating role of trust in stimulating the relationship between transformational leadership and knowledge sharing processes

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 521-537 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phong Ba Le ◽  
Hui Lei
Keyword(s):  
Transformational Leadership ◽  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Service Firms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Employee Trust ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the influence of transformational leadership (TL) and two aspects of trust (trust in a leader and trust among members, including two versions of each: “disclosure” and “reliance”) on knowledge collecting (KC) and knowledge donating (KD). Design/methodology/approach Structural equation modelling was used to test the effects of TL and aspects of trust on knowledge sharing (KS) processes using data collected from 336 participants at 35 large service firms. Findings The results showed that reliance-based trust in a leader (LR), disclosure-based trust in a leader (LD), reliance-based trust among members (MR) and disclosure-based trust among members (MD) act as mediators in the relationship between TL and KS processes. LR and MR have more significant effects on KD, whereas LD, MD and TL have more significant effects on KC. Research limitations/implications Future research could examine how personal characteristics (e.g. education level and working experiences) moderate the relationships between TL and KS processes. Practical implications From a practical perspective, the paper provides directors/managers an increased understanding of paths to success in KC and KD. Originality/value This paper provides theoretical initiatives on building employee trust and improving KS in the field of knowledge management. From a managerial perspective, this study identifies necessary factors for encouraging and promoting KS processes within an organization.

How transformational leadership supports knowledge sharing

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 479-497 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phong Ba Le ◽  
Hui Lei
Keyword(s):  
Transformational Leadership ◽  
Distributive Justice ◽  
Procedural Justice ◽  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Structural Equations ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Service Firms ◽  
Content Type

Purpose This paper aims to clarify the influences of transformational leadership (TL), aspects of justice and trust on knowledge sharing (KS) process after assessing the controlling role of individuals’ education and gender. Design/methodology/approach Structural equations modeling (SEM) has been applied to evaluate the degree of influence that each variable has on the others through using data collected from 353 respondents of 56 large manufacturing and service firms. Findings The results show that distributive justice, procedural justice and trust in leadership play mediating roles in the relationship between TL and KS behavior. TL and procedural justice have more significant effects on knowledge collecting, while trust in the leader and distributive justice have more significant effects on knowledge donating. Research limitations/implications Future research can investigate how personal characteristics (e.g. educational level and work experience) may play moderating roles in the relationships between TL and KS processes. Practical implications From a practical perspective, the study brings a deeper understanding for directors and managers about the necessary factors to encourage and promote KS behavior in the organization. Originality/value The study findings provide a theoretical basis that can be used to analyze the relationships between TL, aspects of justice, trust and the KS process.

Recent developments in China’s biopharmaceutical industry (2012-2017)

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 686-707
Author(s):  
Marcus Conlé
Keyword(s):  
Product Innovation ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Domestic Market ◽  
Growth Strategy ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Biopharmaceutical Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Drug Regulator ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Product Portfolios

Purpose The paper aims to take stock of China’s recent biopharmaceutical industry development by analyzing product innovation and changes in the firms’ product portfolios during the five-year period between 2012 and 2017. Design/methodology/approach The paper introduces a classification of biopharmaceutical products. By applying the classification to the product data of China’s drug regulator, the CFDA, it becomes possible to trace the developments within the sector by looking at changes in the number of firms within each subgroup and changes in the number of subgroups in which each firm is involved. The classification allows an evaluation of the latest product innovation achievements. Findings The paper demonstrates a mild shakeout of firms in the relatively long-existing domestic market segments, a trend toward more specialized product portfolios and an enduring prevalence of innovation strategies aimed at exploiting relatively unpopulated domestic market niches instead of pioneering entirely new products. Especially the capability of upgrading to second-generation protein therapeutics has become a key criterion for separating the wheat and the chaff in China’s domestic sector. The paper moreover points out the relevance of acquisitions as a corporate growth strategy. Research limitations/implications The research does not consider complementary indicators, product pipelines in particular. Future research should compare patterns across emerging economies. Originality/value The paper is unique in using the CFDA database for systematic academic research on (bio)pharmaceutical innovation and in introducing a biopharmaceutical product classification to trace innovative activities and changes in corporate product portfolios over time.

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