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Technology transfer, outsourcing, capability and performance: A comparison of foreign and local firms in Ghana

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  • Appiah-Adu, Kwaku
  • Okpattah, Bernard K.
  • Djokoto, Justice G.

Abstract

Owing to intense competition in today's business environment, organisations that aspire to excel in their respective sectors need to develop the appropriate capabilities in order to gain and sustain a competitive edge. Outsourcing and technology transfer provide firms with the platform for developing capability to achieve superior performance in the marketplace. However, in the setting of a developing economy, the relative effects of outsourcing and technology transfer on corporate performance among foreign and local companies when investigated together in an amalgamated model is yet to be examined empirically. To obtain a deeper understanding, two pathways through which outsourcing and technology transfer enhance corporate performance of companies in Ghana are presented. Results of this research indicate differences in the extent to which outsourcing and technology transfer influence capability and subsequently affect corporate performance. Limitations of this study as well as implications of the findings for managers and researchers are ultimately highlighted.

Suggested Citation

  • Appiah-Adu, Kwaku & Okpattah, Bernard K. & Djokoto, Justice G., 2016. "Technology transfer, outsourcing, capability and performance: A comparison of foreign and local firms in Ghana," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 47(C), pages 31-39.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:teinso:v:47:y:2016:i:c:p:31-39
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2016.07.002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Kim, Jong-Seok & Kim, Byung-Keun, 2022. "Examining different technology transfer capabilities and their counterpart works from two different positions," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 68(C).
    5. Osabutey, Ellis L.C. & Papanastassiou, Marina & Jin, Zhongqi & Navare, Jyoti & Agyapong, Ahmed, 2023. "Revisiting FSAs and CSAs in Sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from Ghanaian Firms," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(4).
    6. Song, Sangyoung & Lee, Jongkuk, 2023. "Licensing early-versus late-stage technologies: The licensee perspective," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 72(C).
    7. Joao J. M. Ferreira & Cristina Fernandes & Vanessa Ratten, 2019. "The effects of technology transfers and institutional factors on economic growth: evidence from Europe and Oceania," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 44(5), pages 1505-1528, October.
    8. Poudeh, Hossein Dehghani & Cheshmberah, Mohsen & Torabi, Hassan & Karimi Gavareshki, Mohammad Hossein & Hosnavi, Reza, 2019. "Determining and prioritizing the factors influencing the outsourcing of Complex Product Systems R&D projects employing ANP and grey-DEMATEL method (case study: Aviation Industries Organization, Iran)," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 56(C), pages 57-68.
    9. Chege, Samwel Macharia & Wang, Daoping & Suntu, Shaldon Leparan & Bishoge, Obadia Kyetuza, 2019. "Influence of technology transfer on performance and sustainability of standard gauge railway in developing countries," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 56(C), pages 79-92.
    10. Philip Awino & James M. Kilika & Stephen M.A Muathe, 2022. "Organization health conceptualized as an emergent capability in a public sector reform program:Empirical and practical implications," International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), Center for the Strategic Studies in Business and Finance, vol. 11(2), pages 16-28, March.
    11. Lugasi, Solomon Omwoma & Odhiambo, Mercy Auma, 2022. "Implementation of Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISCs) in Kenya: Challenges and opportunities," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 68(C).
    12. Yeo Amy Chu May & Lai Marcus Ee Ken, 2020. "The Influence of B2B Relationship Quality on Opportunism and Firm Performance," HOLISTICA – Journal of Business and Public Administration, Sciendo, vol. 11(3), pages 59-87, December.

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