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

Feng, Yanan; Teng, Da; Hao, Bin

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: May 7, 2019
• 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