The Effects of Boundary-Spanning Search, Network Ties, and Absorptive Capacity for Innovation: A Moderated Mediation Examination

Ren Ze, Zhan Kun, Francis Boadu and Liu Yu
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Ren Ze: School of Management and Economics, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
Zhan Kun: School of Management and Economics, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
Francis Boadu: School of Management and Economics, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
Liu Yu: School of Public Affairs and Administration, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China

Sustainability, 2018, vol. 10, issue 11, 1-18

Abstract: Innovation is a key driver for organizations to survive and thrive in increasingly hyper-competitive markets. This study investigates the effects of boundary-spanning search on innovation capability. Specifically, it examines the mediating and moderating effects of network ties and absorptive capacity on boundary-spanning search and innovation in Chinese companies. We constructed a theoretical model of an organization’s boundary-spanning search and innovation capability and distributed a survey questionnaire to a sample of specific industries with upstream and downstream relations in Sichuan Province in China for their responses. Results from the study reveal that boundary-spanning search has a positive and significant impact on innovation capability as well as a positive moderating effect on absorptive capacity and innovation capability. This paper shows that enterprises need to continuously focus on exploring networking opportunities in direct and indirect ways to get access to effective flow and diffusion of resources, which in turn can enhance innovation capability.

Keywords: boundary-spanning search; network ties; innovation capability; absorptive capacity; moderated mediation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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