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Leveraging learning forces in asymmetric alliances: Small firms’ perceived power imbalance in driving exploration and exploitation

Hao, Bin; Feng, Yanan

Leveraging learning forces in asymmetric alliances: Small firms’ perceived power imbalance in driving exploration and exploitation Thumbnail


Authors

Bin Hao

Yanan Feng



Abstract

Prior studies on power and interfirm learning in alliances have devoted limited attention to multiplicate influences of diverse power sources on exploration and exploitation and whether such influences on these two strategies are similar or different. This study investigates the joint effects of two types of perceived power—capability-driven power and position-driven power—on exploration versus exploitation in asymmetric alliances. Using a sample of 205 high-technology firms in China, the analyses suggest that each of the two types of perceived power separately has no direct effects on either exploration or exploitation. However, they complement (multiplicative effects) each other in promoting exploitation and exploration. Interestingly, the balanced effect of perceived position-driven power and perceived capability-driven power is positively related to exploration, while no such an impact is found in terms of exploitation. This study provides alternative insights about inter-organizational learning in asymmetric alliances and points out a direction for future research.

Citation

Hao, B., & Feng, Y. (2018). Leveraging learning forces in asymmetric alliances: Small firms’ perceived power imbalance in driving exploration and exploitation. Technovation, 78, 27-39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2018.07.005

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jul 12, 2018
Online Publication Date Jul 27, 2018
Publication Date 2018-12
Deposit Date Jul 16, 2018
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Technovation
Print ISSN 0166-4972
Electronic ISSN 1879-2383
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 78
Pages 27-39
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2018.07.005
Keywords alliance; asymmetric relationship; exploitation; exploration; perceived power; small firm
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/946528
Publisher URL https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0166497216303844

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