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Innovation and labour flexibility

Author

Listed:
  • Angel Martínez‐Sánchez
  • María José Vela‐Jiménez
  • Manuela Pérez‐Pérez
  • Pilar de Luis‐Carnicer

Abstract

Purpose - This paper aims to analyze the relationship between labour flexibility and innovation performance. Design/methodology/approach - This paper is a review of theoretical perspectives to analyze this relationship. A postal survey of a sample of Spanish manufacturing and service firms was conducted and this was subject to nonparametric analysis. Findings - High‐innovative Spanish firms are more flexible than low‐innovative firms although the comparison across industries and type of innovation indicates that not all flexibility dimensions are statistically significant in their relationship to innovation performance. Research limitations/implications - The study's single country setting could limit the generalizability of the findings. Longitudinal as opposed to cross‐sectional data are needed for studying the causal assumptions suggested by this research. Practical implications - Given the differences of flexibility dimensions found across industries and type of innovation firms should use flexibility capabilities to complement innovation capabilities. On the other hand, some flexible managerial practices should be adopted as early as possible because they appear to be global in knowledge‐intensive firms and do not have differences across sectors and type of innovation. Originality/value - This paper combines in the same analysis the relationship of internal and external flexibility with innovation performance, and their managerial implications.

Suggested Citation

  • Angel Martínez‐Sánchez & María José Vela‐Jiménez & Manuela Pérez‐Pérez & Pilar de Luis‐Carnicer, 2009. "Innovation and labour flexibility," International Journal of Manpower, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 30(4), pages 360-376, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:eme:ijmpps:v:30:y:2009:i:4:p:360-376
    DOI: 10.1108/01437720910973052
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Ritter-Hayashi, Daniela & Knoben, Joris & Vermeulen, Patrick A.M., 2021. "Temporary employment: Curse or blessing for a firm's absorptive capacity?," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 173(C).
    2. Ritter-Hayashi, D. & Knoben, Joris & Vermeulen, P.A.M., 2018. "Success Belongs to the Flexible Firm : How Labor Flexibility Can Retain Firm Innovativeness in Times of Downsizing," Other publications TiSEM 749e1bae-6946-40cb-a5fc-e, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
    3. Chengde You & Huishan Qiu & Zhuojie Pi & Mengyuan Yu, 2023. "Sustainable Enterprise Development in the Manufacturing Sector: Flexible Employment and Innovation in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-30, May.
    4. Farnoosh Bagheri & Rassoul Noorossana & Manoochehr Najmi, 2019. "The extent of EFQM effectiveness in routine and non-routine organizations based on multivariate techniques: an empirical study," Operational Research, Springer, vol. 19(1), pages 237-267, March.

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