Impact of knowledge absorptive capacity on innovative performance in SMEs: mediating effect of cluster environment

Abstract

PurposeThis study builds on knowledge-based view (KBV) research and the natural resource-based view of the firm (NRBV) to examine the effect of knowledge absorptive capacity on innovative performance. It also investigates the mediating role of three dimensions of the cluster environment: degree of network, institutional environment and access to factors of production.Design/methodology/approachBy means of partial least squares-based structural equation modelling method, the study validated and analysed the responses of 503 owners and managers of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the wood industrial cluster of Cote d'Ivoire, a developing economy.FindingsThe analysis and results reveal that knowledge absorptive capacity strongly predicts cluster environment and innovation performance. Moreover, the cluster environment emerged as a powerful determinant of innovation performance and a mediator of the effect of knowledge absorptive capacity on innovation performance. Unequivocally, institutional support has no significant impact on knowledge absorptive capacity (KAC) and innovative performance mediation relationship and is not a key determinant of innovative performance.Originality/valueThis study offers a key departure from past studies by linking knowledge absorptive capacity to innovative performance and the cluster environment in SMEs. It also extends knowledge concerning the role of KBV, NRBV and relational theory in innovation performance.

Leveraging Supervisor Knowledge Sharing Behavior and Organizational Absorptive Capacity on Nurses’ Creativity

“…Tese studies found that absorptive capacity is a critical determinant for nurses' creative and innovative behavior. Conversely, the studies of Maleski et al [54] and Fulgence et al [27] yielded that employees' performance including the creative abilities is not signifcantly afected by knowledge absorptive capacity. Tis contradiction with our fnding may be the presence of confounding factors like employees' traits, work environment, and motivation in the linkage between creativity and absorptive capacity.…”

“…Te concepts of supervisor knowledge sharing behavior and absorptive capacity have gained high momentum recently in knowledge management literature [15]. Several studies examined their role in shaping innovation and employees' performance at diferent contexts like tourism [26], information technology agencies [21], public services settings [27], and petroleum companies [8]. Meanwhile, opinions of respected nursing authorities give consensus that supervisor knowledge sharing behavior and organizational absorptive capacity are important factors to build creativity among nurses [28].…”

Influence of managerial practices, productivity, and change management process on organizational innovation capability of small and medium businesses

“…An effective MGS encourages employees to think further and look at the various organizational challenges from different angles, establishing a conducive environment where innovative ideas are properly recognized and rewarded (Matzler et al, 2008;Sharma et al, 2021). A better MGS helps to establish a knowledge-incentive environment that supports employees to improve their skillsets and acquire information which could eventually lead their organizations to facilitate the changes and motivate everyone to adopt new technology to achieve better innovation capability (de Moura et al, 2021;Fulgence et al, 2022). Small and medium businesses can use their MGS to integrate their human and organizational resources so that it is difficult for other market competitors to imitate (Wright et al, 2001).…”

“…Thus, small and medium businesses need to develop an effective MGS along with proper resource planning to become more compatible with adopting modern new technologies (Gobble, 2018; Bhattacharjee et al , 2021). Studies have suggested that by changing the MGS and making it more dynamic along with adopting new technologies, organizations can improve their innovative capabilities (Sheshadri, 2015; de Moura and Saroli, 2021; Fulgence et al , 2022; Thrassou et al , 2022).…”

“…Although there are various organizational abilities that should be developed, no studies have comprehensively examined them. Hence, there is a need for an integrated, comprehensive framework which could improve the innovative ability of small and medium businesses (de Moura and Saroli, 2021; Fulgence et al , 2022).…”