The Effect of ICT and higher-order capabilities on the performance of Ibero-American SMEs

Autors/es

Gaviria-Marin, Magaly; Matute-Vallejo, Jorge; Baier-Fuentes, Hugo

Abstract

Information and communication technologies (ICT) has the ability to create value by enabling other firm capabilities. Based on the ICT-enabled capabilities perspective, this study explores the direct and indirect effects between lower- and higher-order capabilities, such as ICT, knowledge management capability (KM) and product innovation flexibility (PIF), on the performance of Ibero-American small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This paper uses second-order structural equation models to test the research hypotheses with a sample of 130 Ibero-American SMEs. The results contribute to filling the gap in the SME-focused literature on empirical studies examining ICT-enabled capabilities and firm performance. The results show an enabling effect of ICT on higher-order capabilities, such as KM and PIF, which, by acting as mediating variables, create value and improve performance through innovation in firms.

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Publicació

Computational and Mathematical Organization Theory, December 2021, v.27, n.4, p. 414-450

Data de publicació

2021-12-01

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10588-021-09333-0