Abstract
This article investigates the role of relational identification in the relation between joint actions and small-firm ambidexterity in asymmetric alliances. Using survey data on Chinese high-technology firms, we find that joint problem-solving and joint sensemaking are both positively associated with a small firm’s relational identification. We also find a positive relationship between a small firm’s relational identification and knowledge exploration and exploitation. More importantly, we show that relational identification mediates the relationships between joint actions (i.e. joint problem-solving and joint sensemaking) and small-firm ambidexterity, except for the relationship between joint sensemaking and small-firm knowledge exploitation. This study advances our understanding of the association between joint actions and ambidexterity by providing a social identification explanation.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 689-712 |
| Number of pages | 24 |
| Journal | International Small Business Journal |
| Volume | 37 |
| Issue number | 7 |
| Early online date | 8 Apr 2019 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Nov 2019 |
Fingerprint
Keywords
- asymmetric alliance
- exploitation
- exploration
- relational identification
- small firm
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Business and International Management
Cite this
Joint actions with large partners and small-firm ambidexterity in asymmetric alliances : The mediating role of relational identification. / Feng, Yanan; Teng, Da; Hao, Bin.
In: International Small Business Journal, Vol. 37, No. 7, 01.11.2019, p. 689-712.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Joint actions with large partners and small-firm ambidexterity in asymmetric alliances
T2 - The mediating role of relational identification
AU - Feng, Yanan
AU - Teng, Da
AU - Hao, Bin
PY - 2019/11/1
Y1 - 2019/11/1
N2 - This article investigates the role of relational identification in the relation between joint actions and small-firm ambidexterity in asymmetric alliances. Using survey data on Chinese high-technology firms, we find that joint problem-solving and joint sensemaking are both positively associated with a small firm’s relational identification. We also find a positive relationship between a small firm’s relational identification and knowledge exploration and exploitation. More importantly, we show that relational identification mediates the relationships between joint actions (i.e. joint problem-solving and joint sensemaking) and small-firm ambidexterity, except for the relationship between joint sensemaking and small-firm knowledge exploitation. This study advances our understanding of the association between joint actions and ambidexterity by providing a social identification explanation.
AB - This article investigates the role of relational identification in the relation between joint actions and small-firm ambidexterity in asymmetric alliances. Using survey data on Chinese high-technology firms, we find that joint problem-solving and joint sensemaking are both positively associated with a small firm’s relational identification. We also find a positive relationship between a small firm’s relational identification and knowledge exploration and exploitation. More importantly, we show that relational identification mediates the relationships between joint actions (i.e. joint problem-solving and joint sensemaking) and small-firm ambidexterity, except for the relationship between joint sensemaking and small-firm knowledge exploitation. This study advances our understanding of the association between joint actions and ambidexterity by providing a social identification explanation.
KW - asymmetric alliance
KW - exploitation
KW - exploration
KW - relational identification
KW - small firm
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85064232983&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1177/0266242619842592
DO - 10.1177/0266242619842592
M3 - Article
VL - 37
SP - 689
EP - 712
JO - International Small Business Journal
JF - International Small Business Journal
SN - 0266-2426
IS - 7
ER -