IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/kap/asiapa/v34y2017i3d10.1007_s10490-016-9490-z.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

The sociality of resources: Understanding organizational competitive advantage from a social perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Lin Zhang

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University
    Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University)

  • Xiaojun Zhang

    (Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University)

  • Youmin Xi

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University
    Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University)

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of social structures on the meaning and value of resources. Although understanding resources from a sociological perspective is equally important for the competitive advantage of organizations, prior studies on what a resource is and how a resource becomes valuable have been conducted within an economic perspective. This study examines the meaning and value of resources within a social structure in order to extend the boundary conditions of existing research on resources. Based on a two-step content analysis of the meaning and value of resources in Chinese universities, this study identifies three types of social-oriented resources (resources that help organizations achieve social goals). These contrast with economic-oriented resources (resources that help organizations achieve economic goals) in markets. We also find three strategies that create the value of social-oriented resources. The findings regarding the meaning and value of social-oriented resources uncover the sociality of resources that complement the economic perspective and highlight the importance of understanding organizational competitive advantage from a sociological perspective.

Suggested Citation

  • Lin Zhang & Xiaojun Zhang & Youmin Xi, 2017. "The sociality of resources: Understanding organizational competitive advantage from a social perspective," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 34(3), pages 619-648, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:asiapa:v:34:y:2017:i:3:d:10.1007_s10490-016-9490-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s10490-016-9490-z
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s10490-016-9490-z
    File Function: Abstract
    Download Restriction: Access to the full text of the articles in this series is restricted.
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1007/s10490-016-9490-z?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Arkadiy V. Sakhartov & Timothy B. Folta, 2014. "Resource relatedness, redeployability, and firm value," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 35(12), pages 1781-1797, December.
    2. Peter Li, 2007. "Social tie, social capital, and social behavior: Toward an integrative model of informal exchange," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 24(2), pages 227-246, June.
    3. Charles F. Manski, 2000. "Economic Analysis of Social Interactions," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 14(3), pages 115-136, Summer.
    4. Heechun Kim & Robert E. Hoskisson & Seung-Hyun Lee, 2015. "Why strategic factor markets matter: “New” multinationals' geographic diversification and firm profitability," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 36(4), pages 518-536, April.
    5. Ingemar Dierickx & Karel Cool, 1989. "Asset Stock Accumulation and Sustainability of Competitive Advantage," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 35(12), pages 1504-1511, December.
    6. Corinne A. Coen & Catherine A. Maritan, 2011. "Investing in Capabilities: The Dynamics of Resource Allocation," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 22(1), pages 99-117, February.
    7. T. Vanacker & V. Collewaert & I. Paeleman, 2013. "The relationship between slack resources and the performance of entrepreneurial firms: The role of venture capital and angel investors," Working Papers of Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Ghent University, Belgium 13/837, Ghent University, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration.
    8. Ingemar Dierickx & Karel Cool, 1989. "Asset Stock Accumulation and the Sustainability of Competitive Advantage: Reply," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 35(12), pages 1514-1514, December.
    9. David J. Teece, 2012. "Dynamic Capabilities: Routines versus Entrepreneurial Action," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 49(8), pages 1395-1401, December.
    10. Kathleen R. Conner & C. K. Prahalad, 1996. "A Resource-Based Theory of the Firm: Knowledge Versus Opportunism," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 7(5), pages 477-501, October.
    11. John Child & David K Tse, 2001. "China's Transition and its Implications for International Business," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 32(1), pages 5-21, March.
    12. Tom Vanacker & Veroniek Collewaert & Ine Paeleman, 2013. "The Relationship between Slack Resources and the Performance of Entrepreneurial Firms: The Role of Venture Capital and Angel Investors," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 50(6), pages 1070-1096, September.
    13. Clint Chadwick & Janice F. Super & Kiwook Kwon, 2015. "Resource orchestration in practice: CEO emphasis on SHRM, commitment-based HR systems, and firm performance," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 36(3), pages 360-376, March.
    14. Wu Zhan & Roger (Rongxin) Chen, 2013. "Dynamic capability and IJV performance: The effect of exploitation and exploration capabilities," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 30(2), pages 601-632, June.
    15. Isabelle Le Breton-Miller & Danny Miller, 2015. "The paradox of resource vulnerability: Considerations for organizational curatorship," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 36(3), pages 397-415, March.
    16. Yanni Yan & John Child, 2004. "Investors' Resources and Management Participation in International Joint Ventures: A Control Perspective," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 21(3), pages 287-304, September.
    17. He, Yuanqiong & Tian, Zhilong, 2008. "Government-Oriented Corporate Public Relation Strategies in Transitional China," Management and Organization Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 4(3), pages 367-391, November.
    18. Mahoney, Joseph T., 1995. "The management of resources and the resource of management," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 33(2), pages 91-101, June.
    19. Jay B. Barney, 1986. "Strategic Factor Markets: Expectations, Luck, and Business Strategy," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 32(10), pages 1231-1241, October.
    20. Kraaijenbrink, Jeroen & Spender, JC & Groen, Aard, 2009. "The resource-based view: A review and assessment of its critiques," MPRA Paper 21442, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    21. Wesley Hartmann & Puneet Manchanda & Harikesh Nair & Matthew Bothner & Peter Dodds & David Godes & Kartik Hosanagar & Catherine Tucker, 2008. "Modeling social interactions: Identification, empirical methods and policy implications," Marketing Letters, Springer, vol. 19(3), pages 287-304, December.
    22. Peredo, Ana María & McLean, Murdith, 2006. "Social entrepreneurship: A critical review of the concept," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 41(1), pages 56-65, February.
    23. Yuanqiong He & Zhilong Tian, 2008. "Government-Oriented Corporate Public Relation Strategies in Transitional China," Management and Organization Review, The International Association for Chinese Management Research, vol. 4(3), pages 367-391, November.
    24. William C. Bogner & Pratima Bansal, 2007. "Knowledge Management as the Basis of Sustained High Performance," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 44(1), pages 165-188, January.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Nicolaï Foss & Nils Stieglitz, 2012. "Modern Resource-based Theory(ies)," Chapters, in: Michael Dietrich & Jackie Krafft (ed.), Handbook on the Economics and Theory of the Firm, chapter 20, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    2. Baraldi, Enrico & Gressetvold, Espen & Harrison, Debbie, 2012. "Resource interaction in inter-organizational networks: Foundations, comparison, and a research agenda," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 65(2), pages 266-276.
    3. Gianluigi Giustiziero, 2021. "Is the division of labor limited by the extent of the market? Opportunity cost theory with evidence from the real estate brokerage industry," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 42(7), pages 1344-1378, July.
    4. Nickerson, Jack A. & Yen, C. James & Mahoney, Joseph T., 2011. "Exploring the Problem-Finding and Problem-Solving Approach for Designing Organizations," Working Papers 11-0107, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, College of Business.
    5. Louis Y. Y. Lu & John S. Liu, 2013. "An innovative approach to identify the knowledge diffusion path: the case of resource-based theory," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 94(1), pages 225-246, January.
    6. Reha Karadag & Laura Poppo, 2023. "Strategic resource decay," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 44(6), pages 1534-1561, June.
    7. Jensen, Peter D. Ørberg, 2012. "A passage to India: A dual case study of activities, processes and resources in offshore outsourcing of advanced services," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 47(2), pages 311-326.
    8. Kyle J. Mayer & Deepak Somaya & Ian O. Williamson, 2012. "Firm-Specific, Industry-Specific, and Occupational Human Capital and the Sourcing of Knowledge Work," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 23(5), pages 1311-1329, October.
    9. Hyoung-Goo Kang & Richard M. Burton & Will Mitchell, 2021. "How firm boundaries and relatedness jointly affect diversification value: trade-offs between governance and flexibility," Computational and Mathematical Organization Theory, Springer, vol. 27(1), pages 1-34, March.
    10. Frohwein, Torsten, 2015. "The regulated firm: Effects of regulation on competence development and sustainable competitive advantage," Research Papers on Innovation, Services and Technology 1/2015, University of Stuttgart, Institute of Business Administration, Department I - Institute of Research & Development and Innovation Management.
    11. Heechun Kim & Jie Wu & Douglas A. Schuler & Robert E. Hoskisson, 2020. "Chinese multinationals’ fast internationalization: Financial performance advantage in one region, disadvantage in another," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 51(7), pages 1076-1106, September.
    12. Danchi Tan & Joseph T. Mahoney, 2007. "The dynamics of Japanese firm growth in U.S. Industries: The Penrose effect," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 47(2), pages 259-279, March.
    13. Klaus Uhlenbruck & Klaus E. Meyer & Michael A. Hitt, 2003. "Organizational Transformation in Transition Economies: Resource‐based and Organizational Learning Perspectives," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 40(2), pages 257-282, March.
    14. Chahal, Hardeep & Gupta, Mahesh & Bhan, Namrita & Cheng, T.C.E., 2020. "Operations management research grounded in the resource-based view: A meta-analysis," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 230(C).
    15. Hiroko Nagano, 2020. "The impact of knowledge diversity: Integrating two economic perspectives through the dynamic capability approach," Managerial and Decision Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 41(6), pages 1057-1070, September.
    16. Wójcik Piotr, 2015. "Exploring Links Between Dynamic Capabilities Perspective and Resource-Based View: A Literature Overview," International Journal of Management and Economics, Warsaw School of Economics, Collegium of World Economy, vol. 45(1), pages 83-107, March.
    17. HoWook Shin & Seung-Hyun Lee, 2019. "Firm resource stock, resource complementarity, and the heterogeneity in resource value," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 36(3), pages 661-686, September.
    18. repec:dau:papers:123456789/2423 is not listed on IDEAS
    19. Shuwaikh, Fatima & Dubocage, Emmanuelle, 2022. "Access to the Corporate Investors' Complementary Resources: A Leverage for Innovation in Biotech Venture Capital-Backed Companies," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 175(C).
    20. Andy Lockett & Johan Wiklund & Per Davidsson & Sourafel Girma, 2011. "Organic and Acquisitive Growth: Re‐examining, Testing and Extending Penrose's Growth Theory," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 48(1), pages 48-74, January.
    21. Sougata Ray & Bikramjit Ray Chaudhuri, 2018. "Business Group Affiliation and Corporate Sustainability Strategies of Firms: An Investigation of Firms in India," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 153(4), pages 955-976, December.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:kap:asiapa:v:34:y:2017:i:3:d:10.1007_s10490-016-9490-z. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Sonal Shukla or Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.springer.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.