SMEs strategic networks and innovative performance: a relational design and methodology for knowledge sharing

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 1369-1392 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena-Mădălina Vătămănescu ◽  
Juan-Gabriel Cegarra-Navarro ◽  
Andreia Gabriela Andrei ◽  
Violeta-Mihaela Dincă ◽  
Vlad-Andrei Alexandru
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Resource Scarcity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Networks ◽  
Innovative Performance ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Model Combining ◽  
Fierce Competition

Purpose In the context of resource scarcity, the affiliation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to strategic networks has emerged as a fruitful path towards knowledge sharing as a reaction to fierce competition and with a view to enhance their innovative performance. In this framework, this paper aims to investigate the influence exerted by a specific relational design (i.e. types of strategic networks) and methodology (i.e. channels and content) of knowledge sharing on SMEs innovative performance. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire-based survey with 102 top managers of European SMEs in the industrial field was conducted from June to August 2019 and a partial least squares structural equation modelling technique was used. The database was initially filtered to ensure the adequacy of the sample and data was analysed using the statistics software package SmartPLS 3.0. Findings The results concluded that the structural model explains 38.5% of the variance in SMEs innovative performance, indicating the positive effects exerted by offline and online and by competitive knowledge sharing on the dependent variable. Research implications The study has both theoretical and practical implications in that it sets out a reference point for the key performance indicators for strategic networks structure, formation and development and, implicitly, for the selection of the most efficient relational design and methodology. Originality/value The pivotal originality elements reside in the advancement of a more comprehensive conceptual and structural model combining a two-fold operationalization of SMEs strategic networks (founded on business abilities or on the personality of the partner) and in the investigation of knowledge transfer processes at the inter-organizational levels within a context-centric approach.

scholarly journals The effect of IC components on innovation performance in Serbian companies

2018 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 448-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sladjana Cabrilo ◽  
Aino Kianto ◽  
Bojana Milic
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Deep Understanding ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Innovation Performance ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovative Performance ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Innovation Potential ◽  
Structural Capital

Purpose In investigating the linkage between intellectual capital (IC) and innovation, it is important not only to explore how IC as a whole is associated with organizations’ innovative performance but also to gain a deep understanding of the role of different IC components (groups of intangibles) in companies’ innovation performance, which is the purpose of this paper in the context of Serbian companies. Design/methodology/approach This research is based on survey data collected from 100 Serbian companies with at least 100 employees during 2014/2015. Six IC components were analyzed (human, structural, internal relational, external relational, renewal and entrepreneurial) in terms of their effect on innovation performance. Analyses were conducted using structural equation modeling and correlation analysis. Findings Findings demonstrate that renewal capital, internal relational capital and structural capital have statistically significant positive effects on overall innovative performance in Serbian companies. Practical implications The outcomes reveal potential and barriers within IC that are crucial to innovation performance in Serbian companies. In this way, this study enables a deeper understanding of intangible drivers of innovation and highlights possibilities to foster intangible innovation potential in Serbian companies. Originality/value As context (economic and cultural) has emerged as a relevant factor in researching IC, this study is original in investigating IC effect on innovation within the Serbian business environment. Additionally, the broad sexpartite taxonomy of IC contributes to a wider understanding of knowledge and its linkages to innovation.

An integrated understanding of academics knowledge sharing behaviour

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Sabbir Rahman ◽  
Fadi Abdel Muniem Abdel Fattah ◽  
Hasliza Hassan ◽  
Tayeenul Haque
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Work Environment ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Comparative Investigation ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Positive Effects

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the underlying functions of sense of spirituality (SS), emotional intelligence (EI) and perceived work environment (PWE) towards knowledge sharing behaviour (KSB) among the academic staff of higher learning institutions (HLIs) through a comparative investigation. This study extends the investigation by examining the relationship between SS and KSB through the mediating role of EI. The moderating role of PWE between SS and KSB was also tested. Design/methodology/approach The sample comprised 300 responses from 150 Bangladeshi and 150 Malaysian academic staff of public and private HLIs. Convenient sampling tools were used. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the proposed model and hypotheses. The study explains the differences and similarities in KSB practices concerning SS, EI and PWE of the academic staff from the two countries’ HLIs. Findings The results support the direct positive effects of SS on KSB. The two data sets also support the indirect effects of SS on KSB through the mediation of EI. However, the results indicate that SS only promoted KSB among individuals with high levels of PWE in their respective institutions. For individuals with low levels of PWE, SS did not affect KSB. Practical implications The management of HLIs should engage their experiences and those of newly hired academic staff in the KSB process. However, in facilitating KSB culture among the academic staff, HLIs need to foster the staff’s SS, which ultimately improvises the EI to strongly influence KSB. The management of HLIs understands that SS may be inefficient in promoting KSB among employees with low PWE. Authorities of HLIs need to facilitate a quality work environment to enhance the association between SS and KSB. Originality/value This study is one of the initial attempts to investigate KSB by considering SS, EI and PWE in the context of Bangladesh and Malaysia HLIs. The findings of the study can serve as inputs to HLIs in developing best practices across KSB dimensions and improving academic staff performance.

scholarly journals An investigation of factors affecting knowledge sharing amongst UK academics

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 1254-1271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger Fullwood ◽  
Jennifer Rowley
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Measurement Model ◽  
Organisational Culture ◽  
Influential Factor ◽  
Individual Factor ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Organisational Factors

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to construct and investigate relationships between knowledge-sharing factors, attitude and the intention to share of UK academics, as research on knowledge sharing in higher education is extremely sparse. Design/methodology/approach A research model and hypotheses were constructed from individual and organisational factors that were identified to affect knowledge sharing. Questionnaire data were obtained from 367 academics concerning their attitude and intention towards knowledge sharing. This was then used in a two-stage structural equation modelling approach where the measurement model was used for confirmatory factor analysis. The structural model was used to measure and test the hypothesised relationships. Findings Findings indicate that, in general, individual beliefs amongst academics were more influential on their knowledge-sharing attitudes than organisational culture. Furthermore, leadership was the most influential factor within the overall organisational culture whereas autonomy demonstrated the weakest relationship. Belief in the possibility of rewards through associations was found to be a highly significant individual factor. The relationship between attitude and intention was relatively weak although still statistically significant. Originality/value The research demonstrates that management should ensure that departmental leaders promote knowledge sharing and that valued rewards are linked to sharing within the department.

Case study of a structural model to explore the effects of knowledge sharing on intellectual capital

2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 338-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peyman Akhavan ◽  
Farnoosh Khosravian
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation Modeling ◽  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Measurement Model ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Content Type

Purpose It is commonly known that intellectual capital (IC) plays a remarkable role in organizations, especially in colleges and academic centers. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of knowledge sharing (KS) on IC. Design/methodology/approach Based on the extensive literature review, a questionnaire was designed. The questions were composed of two parts; KS questions and IC questions. In total, 352 students completed questionnaires in the Shahinshahr branch of Payam-e-Noor University. Structural equation modeling was used to develop the measurement model. Findings The findings showed that KS has a significant positive correlation with IC and its dimensions. The structural equation modeling confirmed the research model and showed a good match with it. Originality/value Given that this study aimed to examine KS and IC, it implies that with optimized knowledge management in universities, providing the infrastructures of KS and strengthening students’ motivational factors, KS capacities can be enhanced and IC of universities would be strengthened.

scholarly journals International new ventures’ international performance: a matter of network entrepreneurial orientation and network management activities

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Ripollés ◽  
Andreu Blesa
Keyword(s):  
Network Management ◽  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Entrepreneurial Orientation ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
New Ventures ◽  
International New Ventures ◽  
Potential Conflict ◽  
Content Type ◽  
International Performance ◽  
Positive Effects

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to demostrate that commitment to developing knowledge sharing, coordination, adaptation and resolving potential conflict results in idiosyncratic relational assets for firms, which increases the benefits that international new ventures (INVs) can obtain from their networking activity. Design/methodology/approach To test the theoretical model, a survey was conducted among a sample of INVs. The data obtained were examined with structural equation modelling using the maximum likelihood estimation procedure in linear structural relations software. Findings The results showed positive effects of network entrepreneurial orientation (EO) on knowledge sharing, coordination, adaptation and resolving potential conflict, but only network coordination showed a positive effect on international performance. Research limitations/implications The study introduces and extends EO to the network level and shows that it contributes to INVs’ international performance through its influence on the development of coordination activities among networked firms. Practical implications The results provide guidance for building INVs’ networks. Entrepreneurs will find orientations about which partners could be more valuable to them. Originality/value Little research has addressed the study of network management activities to create a network structure. This paper reveals how firms’ volition and commitment to networking helps us to understand, in a fine-grained manner, how INVs gain benefits from their social networks. Additionally, EO at the network level is also studied, and arguments are proposed showing its relationships with the aforementioned relational activities based on the fact that entrepreneurial-oriented partners are supposed to be more active in networking.

Antecedents and consequences of satisfaction among participants in health-affiliated charity sport events

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Meungguk Park ◽  
Taeho Yoh ◽  
David J. Shonk
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Cancer Society ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Causal Pathways ◽  
Antecedents And Consequences ◽  
Sport Events ◽  
Positive Direct

PurposeUnderstanding factors that enhance participants' satisfaction has become critical to developing effective donor retention strategies for charity sport events (CSEs). However, there is a lack of empirical research on participants' satisfaction with CSEs. The purpose of this study is to examine the antecedents and consequences of satisfaction among CSE participants and to empirically test the relationships between the proposed constructs.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 238 participants from four Relay For Life (RFL) events organized by the American Cancer Society, North Central Region in the USA. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were conducted to analyze the measurement model and the structural model.FindingsThe results of the structural model indicated that perceived prosocial impact, sense of community and trust in CSE had significant positive effects on CSE satisfaction, while venue quality, knowledge attainment and entertainment value did not positively influence CSE satisfaction. CSE satisfaction had a positive direct effect on participant loyalty to CSE, which had a significant contribution to future participant intent.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study provide CSE directors and marketers with valuable insights into the process of how to build long-term relationships with participants by identifying factors that influence participants' satisfaction and its consequences.Originality/valueBy measuring the mediating role of CSE satisfaction, this study provides a deeper understanding of the causal pathways from the antecedents to participant loyalty through CSE satisfaction.

How relationship attributes affect bank customers’ saving

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 156-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kent Eriksson ◽  
Cecilia Hermansson
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Theory Development ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Subjective Perceptions ◽  
Saving Behavior ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine how three relational attributes – duration, context and trust – are subjectively perceived by bank customers, and how these affect their saving behavior, as defined by monthly flows to mutual funds and the financial products bought and held in stock.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use a combination of unique bank register and subjective survey data, and a structural equation model for theory development. Four constructs are developed to estimate the structural model, i.e. saving behavior, duration, context and trust.FindingsThe authors find that all three relational attributes have positive effects on saving behavior. The authors also find that duration and context have the largest total effects, and that trust is a mediating variable channeling indirect effects from context and duration to saving behavior.Practical implicationsOne implication for bank managers is that it takes time and understanding of customer context to gain customer trust, but that this increases customer savings. Another implication is that the authors confirm that relational attributes can be studied using subjective measures in surveys, and that these have an effect on objective savings behavior. The findings provide an understanding that could develop both the customer’s value and the banks’ business opportunities.Originality/valueThe impact of relationships between bank advisors and their customers in terms of costs and benefits has been studied, but a little research has focused on the attributes of the relationship and how these affect customers’ saving behavior. The study also uses unique objective bank register data, combined with customers’ subjective perceptions of the relationship.

Linking coopetition benefits and innovative performance within small and medium-sized enterprises networks: a strategic approach on knowledge sharing and direct collaboration

Kybernetes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena-Mădălina Vătămănescu ◽  
Andreea Mitan ◽  
Andreia Gabriela Andrei ◽  
Alexandru Mihai Ghigiu
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovative Performance ◽  
Theoretical Contribution ◽  
Top Managers ◽  
Strategic Approach ◽  
Phenomenological View

PurposeThe present study aims to tackle SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) managers' awareness of coopetition benefits underpinning the process of knowledge sharing with a view to achieve innovative performance. The scrutiny of coopetition is placed within the context of SMEs strategic networks, which foster a fertile ground for competitive knowledge sharing and direct collaboration among members.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 102 top managers and business owners of European steel SMEs were questioned regarding various issues related to coopetition, knowledge, collaboration and innovative performance strategies. The collected data were analyzed via the technique of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).FindingsThe obtained values confirm that intense competition in the field stimulates SMEs to become aware of the benefits of coopetition. This awareness directly influences the innovative performance of the SMEs, as well as their interest in competitive knowledge sharing and their willingness to engage in direct collaboration. Direct collaboration catalyzes more intense competitive knowledge sharing at the inter-unit level whereas both direct collaboration and competitive knowledge sharing lead to better innovative performance in the case of the studied steel SMEs.Research limitations/implicationsA key theoretical contribution resides in revealing the influence of manifold factors in the overall equation of innovative performance, integrating competition, coopetition and knowledge sharing as antecedents.Originality/valueThe research advances a phenomenological view on SMEs networks in their strategy to leverage competitive knowledge and enhance system-driven innovation.

Does cultural intelligence promote cross-cultural teams' knowledge sharing and innovation in the restaurant business?

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akaraphun Ratasuk ◽  
Peerayuth Charoensukmongkol
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Cultural Intelligence ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovative Performance ◽  
Tourist Destinations ◽  
Team Knowledge Sharing

PurposeThis research investigates knowledge sharing and innovation on the part of culturally diverse teams in the restaurant business and their relation to cultural intelligence (CQ), in which CQ was conceptualized as a team-level variable.Design/methodology/approachSurvey data were collected from 103 cross-cultural teams in restaurants located in five popular tourist destinations in Thailand and were derived from multiple sources to prevent common method bias. The data that measured team CQ and knowledge sharing were collected from all members in each team and were averaged to create aggregate measures at the team level, while the team supervisor evaluated the teams' innovative performance. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used in the data analysis.FindingsThe results indicated that those teams that demonstrated high CQ tended to exhibit a greater degree of team knowledge sharing and receive higher evaluations of their innovative performance than did those that demonstrated low CQ. The results also showed that team knowledge sharing mediated the relation between team CQ and innovation.Originality/valueCQ's contribution in cross-cultural teams measured at the team level contributes additional knowledge to prior CQ research that rarely has investigated the phenomenon at the aggregate level.

Exploring market-oriented relations in the digital era

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-82
Author(s):  
Suk Chong Tong ◽  
Fanny Fong Yee Chan
Keyword(s):  
Public Relations ◽  
Digital Media ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Media Usage ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Digital Era

PurposeMarket-oriented relations has been regarded as a kind of public relations practices widely performed by the practitioners of public relations and marketing. This study attempts to discuss market-oriented relations in the digital era in which public relations and marketing practitioners' involvement in managing market-oriented relations was simultaneously related to their perceptions of interactivity effects, value of public relations and benefits of digital media usage in public relations practices.Design/methodology/approachA self-administrated online survey targeting 241 practitioners engaged in coordinating public relations activities in Hong Kong was conducted in 2017.FindingsStructural equation modeling (SEM) analysis showed that practitioners' involvement in market-oriented relations practices had significant positive effects on their perceptions of interactivity effects, value of public relations and benefits of digital media usage. Practitioners' perceptions of interactivity effects and benefits of digital media usage were positively affected by their perceptions of public relations value, particularly public relations effectiveness. Clients' profitability and business intelligence, as well as interactivity effects in terms of involvement and perceived customization were practitioners' key concerns in managing market-oriented relations.Originality/valueThis study explores how practitioners of public relations and marketing perceived and practiced public relations in the digital era. Specifically, the conception of market-oriented relations in regard to the use of digital media was discussed in the proposed structural model.

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