Human-behavioral micro-foundations of dynamic capabilities: A systematic review of the last two decades of research

Author(s):  
Haniruzila Hanifah ◽  
Khaled Nawaser ◽  
Fatemeh Gheitarani ◽  
Ali Vafaei Zadeh
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matin Mohaghegh ◽  
Andreas Größler

PurposeAdopting the dynamic capability perspective, this study aims at exploring which problem-solving capabilities result in fundamental solutions with a potentially low likelihood for problems to recur. This can also shed light on why, despite many attempts, process improvement programs often fail to produce such long-term solutions.Design/methodology/approachA case study is carried out to inductively describe and classify problem-solving in companies and to indicate why problem-solving efforts are typically bounded to short-term solutions. The empirical findings are triangulated with findings from the extant literature.FindingsFirst, the authors propose three problem-solving modes with different characteristics and potential impacts on operational performance: intuitive problem-solving, semi-structured problem-solving and systematic problem-solving. Second, by emphasizing dynamic capabilities' micro-foundations and with the focus on learning mechanisms, the authors show that, among these modes, only systematic problem-solving can serve as a dynamic capability with fundamental solutions. Third, based on insights from the case study, the authors address behavioral and organizational impediments that curb dynamic capabilities and limit systematic problem-solving adoption.Originality/valueThis study is an empirically informed attempt to understand systematic problem-solving as a dynamic capability. The authors uncover the micro-foundations and the learning mechanisms through which systematic problem-solving becomes a dynamic capability. By highlighting problem-solving orientation as a hardly investigated dimension of improvement programs, the authors show that a mixture of a static problem-solving approach and a set of impediments at both individual and organizational levels is the major reason of failures of improvement programs over time.


2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 94-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip T. Roundy ◽  
Dutch Fayard

In pursuit of the beneficial outcomes of entrepreneurship, governments and regional development organisations enact policies to stimulate entrepreneurial activity. A growing focus of policymakers in emerging and developed economies is the promotion of entrepreneurial ecosystems: the interconnected system of forces that generate and sustain regional entrepreneurship. Despite intense interest in entrepreneurial ecosystems, the topic is under-theorised. Studies draw attention to the positive effects of entrepreneurial ecosystems on the creation and functioning of early-stage ventures; however, the specific mechanisms through which ecosystems influence entrepreneurs are not clear. To address this issue, we build on dynamic capabilities theory to create a theoretical framework that identifies a set of forces through which ecosystems influence entrepreneurship. We propose that in vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems entrepreneurs are more able to sense, seize and reconfigure resources and opportunities. Our theory contributes to entrepreneurship research, has implications for policymakers and practitioners, and suggests directions for future studies.


2018 ◽  
Vol 51 (6) ◽  
pp. 797-814 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Bendig ◽  
Steffen Strese ◽  
Tessa C. Flatten ◽  
Maika Eva Susanne da Costa ◽  
Malte Brettel

2011 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Arndt

A growing body of research in strategic management has focused on dynamic capabilities as a central source of firms' competitive advantage. The theoretical roots of dynamic capabilities can be found in many of the schools of thought identified by Mintzberg, Ahlstrand and Lampel (1998). In this paper, we identify three aspects of dynamic capabilities that, we believe, require more detailed attention: Process, cognitive and decision-based micro-foundations, and human agency. We explore each of these areas from an evolutionary perspective to emphasize the fact that dynamic capability is essentially an evolutionary construct. By highlighting the evolutionary implications of these areas, we add important detail to the way “evolution” has been used in this field of research.


2011 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 86-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farley Simon Nobre ◽  
David S. Walker

This paper investigates theoretical micro-foundations of core competencies in the organization that pursues sustainable competitive advantage. It advocates that there is a lack of literature perspectives which can explain the sources of core competencies of the firm. This research raises questions on: What are the main sources of creation and sustenance of core competencies? What are the abilities which nourish the development of operational and dynamic capabilities? What is the main source of collective knowledge in the organization? This work answers these questions by proposing a dynamic ability-based view of the organization which contributes to explaining the dynamic behavior of the firm in the pursuit of sustainable competitive advantage. Cognition is the core ability which supports individuals, groups, and organizations with intelligence, autonomy, learning, and knowledge management. These concepts form the set of organizational abilities in this research.


Author(s):  
R. Daniel Wadhwani ◽  
Geoffrey Jones

This chapter aims to deepen the scholarly dialogue between strategy and history. It does so by examining how historical models of change can contribute to theory and research on the competitive advantage of firms during periods of rapid innovation. Focusing on the dynamic capabilities framework, it shows how three models of historical change—evolutionary, dialectical, and constitutive—can be used to extend theory and deepen research about the origins, context, and micro-foundations of dynamic capabilities. We show how each model of historical change shaped the intellectual development of the dynamic capabilities framework, point to historical research that illustrates these processes, and discuss the methodological and conceptual implications for future research. We conclude by suggesting that recognizing and building on these historical models of change can provide a common conceptual language for a deeper dialogue between historians and strategy researchers.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 18-24
Author(s):  
Klavdia Markelova Evans ◽  
Ashley Salaiz

Purpose This paper aims to investigate how companies can retain their ability to recognize, seize and maintain opportunities. Design/methodology/approach This conceptual work is built on existing research about an organization’s dynamic capabilities and literature on judgment under uncertainty. Findings This study offers specific ways in which companies can develop the dynamic capability of identifying new opportunities and, most importantly, how firms can maintain this rare dynamic capability for significant periods, so that they can harvest the benefits offered by owning this capability. Practical implications This study’s specific insights equip practitioners with turn-key information on how to build or maintain a firm’s unique ability to sense and capture an opportunity via the enhancement of the firm’s portfolio of simple rules. Originality/value This research introduces a novel idea about micro-foundations of a firm’s dynamic capabilities and theoretically argues that a favorable organizational culture and individuals’ rules of thumb can form a company’s dynamic ability to sense and seize an opportunity in high-velocity markets.


2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 113-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrejs Čirjevskis

Purpose This paper aims to add to the understanding of dynamic capabilities (DC) as sources of competitive advantage of successful Asian-Pacific shipping companies by demonstrating that DC development unfolds in three steps, from recognition that the environment has changed, to the decision to deploy DC, to assets re-orchestration. Design/methodology/approach Based on an approach involving two illustrative case studies, the author analyzed DC development of Chinese and Singaporean-based shipping groups in depth. The analysis was centered on DC by investigating how strategic decision-making on vertical integration, diversification and implementation of new technologies can be underpinned by developing DC to create sustained advantages. Findings The author found that strategic components of DC are rooted in strategic decision-making to initiate changes on the corporate and even on an operational level. Research limitations/implications While capability development is thoroughly studied, capability erosion has not been integrated into the research. The exploration of human capital as a firm’s idiosyncratic resource in assets orchestration capabilities can be future work. Practical implications The proposed research contributes to the debate on micro foundations of DC and provides insights for practitioners striving for retaining competitive advantages. Social implications Regarding implications for the society, the research shows how the DC serve to generate competitive advantages. The author has presented a logical structure of the competitive advantage paradigm as a product of DC and business models that can be useful to decision makers. Originality/value The research offers insights into the composition of micro foundations of DC and demonstrates that DC can be unbounded into well-known and concrete strategic and operational management activities.


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