Relationships: The Role of Inter-Firm
Absorptive Capacity
Alwin R. Akkerman
s1906569
University of Groningen, Faculty of Economics and Business, P.O. Box 800, 9700 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands.
MSc Marketing Master Thesis, 8th of January 2016.
Koningin Wilhelminaplein 194, 1062 KR, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Tel: + 31 (0) 6 12 45 44 33, e-mail: alwinakkerman@gmail.com, student number: s1906569.
Overview
1. This study’s purpose
2. Theoretical framework
3. Its research method
4. Its findings
Purpose
To advance the understanding of inter-firm absorptive capacity (ACAP) and its effect on innovation.
Research question
This study takes the perspective of the knowledge-based view (KBV) and investigates in what way and to what extent inter-firm ACAP influences innovation performance in buyer-supplier relationships.
Figure 1.1. The conceptual model.
Data
- 166 matched-pair buyer-supplier relationships.
- Data obtained from key informants by Berger (2015).
- Hypotheses are tested for the buyer and supplier database
separately.
Statistical Procedure
- PLS-SEM, with the use of statistical software, SmartPLS.
- First tests the measurement model.
Table 3.1. Estimated direct and moderation effects.
buyer only: supplier only:
4. Discussion
Managerial implications
- Buyer firms should enhance their relationship’s inter-firm ACAP
- by providing information,
- by enhancing employee ability (skill),
- and by enhancing employee motivation,
- to increase the relationship’s innovation performance.
Scientific implications
- ACAP has to be perceived as a multidimensional construct.
Limitations and Future Research
- Perhaps ACAP mediates the R&D on innovation performance
effect in relationships, instead of moderation.
- firm size, age of the firm, and industry may also influence the
model.
- Future effects of, for example, ACAP and investments in R&D
were not included in this study.
- More research needed on underlying reasons differences in
perception between buyer and supplier.
- Prior investments and prior knowledge are components of the
