The leveraging of interfirm relationships as a distinctive organizational capability: A longitudinal study

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Lorenzoni, G; Lipparini, A
• 署名单位: University of Bologna
• 刊物名称: STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT JOURNAL
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0143-2095
• DOI: 10.1002/(SICI)1097-0266(199904)20:4<317::AID-SMJ28>3.0.CO;2-3
• 发表日期: 1999
• 页码: 317-338
• 关键词: organizational competencies; INTERFIRM RELATIONSHIPS; relational capabilities

摘要

In this paper we present a study of the structure of three lend firm-network relationships at two points in time. Using data on companies in the packaging machine industry, we study the process of vertical disintegration and focus on the ability to coordinate competencies and combine knowledge across corporate boundaries. We argue that the capability to interact with other companies-which we call relational capability-accelerates the lend firm's knowledge access and transfer with relevant effects on company growth and innovativeness. This study provides evidence that interfirm networks can be shaped and deliberately designed: over time managers develop a specialized supplier network and build a narrower and more competitive set of core competencies. The ability to integrate knowledge residing both inside and outside the firm's boundaries emerges as a distinctive organizational capability. Our main goal is to contribute to the current discussion of cooperative ties and dynamic aspects of interfirm networks, adding new dimensions to resource-based and knowledge-based interpretations of company performance. Copyright (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.