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The effect of ICT and higher-order capabilities on the performance of Ibero-American SMEs

Author

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  • Magaly Gaviria-Marin

    (Universidad Católica de La Santísima Concepción)

  • Jorge Matute-Vallejo

    (IQS School of Managment, Universistat Ramon Llull)

  • Hugo Baier-Fuentes

    (Universidad Católica de La Santísima Concepción)

Abstract

Information and communication technologies (ICT) has the ability to create value by enabling other firm capabilities. Based on the ICT-enabled capabilities perspective, this study explores the direct and indirect effects between lower- and higher-order capabilities, such as ICT, knowledge management capability (KM) and product innovation flexibility (PIF), on the performance of Ibero-American small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This paper uses second-order structural equation models to test the research hypotheses with a sample of 130 Ibero-American SMEs. The results contribute to filling the gap in the SME-focused literature on empirical studies examining ICT-enabled capabilities and firm performance. The results show an enabling effect of ICT on higher-order capabilities, such as KM and PIF, which, by acting as mediating variables, create value and improve performance through innovation in firms.

Suggested Citation

  • Magaly Gaviria-Marin & Jorge Matute-Vallejo & Hugo Baier-Fuentes, 2021. "The effect of ICT and higher-order capabilities on the performance of Ibero-American SMEs," Computational and Mathematical Organization Theory, Springer, vol. 27(4), pages 414-450, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:comaot:v:27:y:2021:i:4:d:10.1007_s10588-021-09333-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s10588-021-09333-0
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    2. Eva Tomášková & Lucie Kaòovská, 2022. "Impact of cooperation flexibility on innovation flexibility in SMEs," Equilibrium. Quarterly Journal of Economics and Economic Policy, Institute of Economic Research, vol. 17(2), pages 533-566, June.

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