“…Relational capital (RC) is commonly defined as knowledge embedded in relationships with stakeholders such as customers, suppliers, regulators, communities, pressure groups, and intermediaries (Roos et al, 1997 ; Vrontis et al, 2021 ; Cosma et al, 2019 ; Bontis, 1999 ). RC is a valuable knowledge resource that contributes to creating value and leading the overall performance and success of the organization (Abd-Elrahman and Kamal, 2020 ; Catanzaro et al, 2019 ; Kohtamäki et al, 2012 ). Owing to such positive interrelatedness, prior research has shown that the extent of mutual trust, licensing agreements, and formal contracts with third parties facilitates the knowledge integration process (Zahoor & Gerged, 2021 ; Bhatti et al, 2020 ; Roos et al, 1997 ) and consequently leads the performance of the organization (Yayla et al, 2018 ; Hult et al, 2004 ).…”