دانلود رایگان مقاله انگلیسی ظرفیت جذب و عملکرد شرکت های کوچک خانوادگی: فرآیندهای واسطه ای - امرالد 2017

Abstract

Purpose – Despite the recognized importance of knowledge management for small family firms, relatively little empirical research has been done so far to understand the mechanisms through which absorptive capacity (AC) assists their performance. The purpose of this study is to understand the relationship between absorptive capacity and performance in small family firms. Design/methodology/approach – In this study, the authors theoretically argue and empirically validate that AC enables the creation of entrepreneurial, market and technology orientations in small family firms, which, in turn, lead to superior firm performance. They also tested the study’s hypotheses using mediation and multiple linear regression analyses on data collected from 272 small Indian family firms. Findings – The study’s findings suggest indirect relationship between AC and performance. The strategic orientations provide a mechanism through which investments in small family firms’ AC results in firm performance. Practical implications – This study offers crucial insights to practitioners and small firm managers regarding the use of knowledge-based capabilities in creating appropriate strategic postures, which, in turn, assist firm performance. Originality/value – This study is among few research attempts in understanding the knowledge aspects of small family firms. The present research contributes to the existing literature by unravelling the relationship between knowledge management and small family firm performance. Also, by bringing in data from an under-studied context of an emerging economy, this study strengthens the theoretical applicability of knowledge management in different contexts.

Conclusion

The specific purpose of this study was to explore the mechanisms through which AC translates into superior performance for small family firms. Family firms offer a unique context for understanding the linkages proposed in this study. Entrepreneurs running family firms are invariably attached to the well-being of their establishment and are committed to the long-run survival and reputation of their firms (De Massis et al., 2012a, 2012b). Accordingly, it becomes imperative for researchers to understand how family firms acquire and manage knowledge, both within the organization including intergenerational transfers, as well as external knowledge originating from environmental changes. Also, as small family firms often lack adequate resources (Batra et al., 2015), it is even more crucial for them as compared to large firms to build a strong AC, i.e. effectively acquire, assimilate and use knowledge to exploit surrounding opportunities (Gray, 2006). However, little is known so far about the mechanisms through which such firms make use of their AC for enhanced performance. This study tried to address this gap by theoretically arguing that a small family firm’s strategic orientations translate into the performance benefits of its AC. We proposed that firms may not benefit from the knowledge they acquire or assimilate as that knowledge may decay or time (Lichtenthaler, 2016). Rather, the real benefits of knowledge acquisition accrue when firms use it to inhabit relevant strategic orientations from such knowledge.