Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Joint actions with large partners and small-firm ambidexterity in asymmetric alliances: the mediating role of relational identification

Feng, Yanan; Teng, Da; Hao, Bin

Authors

Yanan Feng

Da Teng

Bin Hao



Abstract

This study investigates the role of relational identification in the relation between joint actions and small-firm ambidexterity in asymmetric alliances. Using survey data on Chinese high-technology firms, we find that joint problem-solving and joint sensemaking are both positively associated with small firm's relational identification. We also find a positive relationship between small firm's relational identification and knowledge exploration and exploitation. More importantly, we show that relational identification mediates the relationships between joint actions (i.e., joint problem-solving and joint sensemaking) and small-firm ambidexterity, except for the relationship between joint sensemaking and small-firm knowledge exploitation. This study advances our understanding of the association between joint actions and ambidexterity by providing a social identification explanation.

Citation

Feng, Y., Teng, D., & Hao, B. (2019). Joint actions with large partners and small-firm ambidexterity in asymmetric alliances: the mediating role of relational identification. International Small Business Journal, 37(7), 689-712. https://doi.org/10.1177/0266242619842592

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Mar 18, 2019
Online Publication Date Apr 8, 2019
Publication Date Apr 8, 2019
Deposit Date Apr 29, 2019
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal International Small Business Journal: Researching Entrepreneurship
Print ISSN 0266-2426
Electronic ISSN 1741-2870
Publisher SAGE Publications
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 37
Issue 7
Pages 689-712
DOI https://doi.org/10.1177/0266242619842592
Keywords Asymmetric alliance; Exploration; Exploitation; Relational identification; small firm
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1848162
Publisher URL https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0266242619842592
Additional Information Copyright © 2019 by SAGE Publications

Files




You might also like



Downloadable Citations