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

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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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Ren Ze & Zhan Kun & Francis Boadu & Liu Yu, 2018. "The Effects of Boundary-Spanning Search, Network Ties, and Absorptive Capacity for Innovation: A Moderated Mediation Examination," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-18, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:11:p:3980-:d:179575
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    Cited by:

    1. Lu Xin & Fangcheng Tang & Shuwei Zhang & Zhen Pan, 2020. "Social Capital and Sustainable Innovation in Small Businesses: Investigating the Role of Absorptive Capacity, Marketing Capability and Organizational Learning," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-17, May.
    2. Qi Yao & Hongjuan Tang & Francis Boadu & Yu Xie, 2023. "Digital Transformation and Firm Sustainable Growth: The Moderating Effects of Cross-border Search Capability and Managerial Digital Concern," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 14(4), pages 4929-4953, December.
    3. Min Xue & Francis Boadu & Yu Xie, 2019. "The Penetration of Green Innovation on Firm Performance: Effects of Absorptive Capacity and Managerial Environmental Concern," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-24, April.
    4. Fabio Antoldi & Daniele Cerrato, 2020. "Trust, Control, and Value Creation in Strategic Networks of SMEs," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-20, March.
    5. Xuan Wei & Wei Chen, 2019. "How Does A Firm’s Previous Social Network Position Affect Innovation? Evidence from Chinese Listed Companies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-20, February.
    6. Panteha Farmanesh & Pouya Zargar & Vildan Esenyel & Asim Vehbi, 2021. "Linking Spiritual Leadership and Boundary-Spanning Behavior: The Bright Side of Workplace Spirituality and Self-Esteem," SAGE Open, , vol. 11(3), pages 21582440211, August.
    7. Zhiwen Su & Mingyu Zhang & Jianjun Sun & Wenbing Wu, 2023. "Agribusiness diversification and technological innovation efficiency: A U‐shaped relationship," Agribusiness, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 39(2), pages 322-346, March.

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