Abstract
This article provides a more comprehensive view of relational capabilities (RC) as strategic issues (SI) within small and medium enterprises (SMEs). As SMEs have assumed high relevance in different business sectors and research fields, RC have demonstrated a crucial role in addressing various SI to overcome business challenges. Therefore, through the lens of the relational-based view, we highlight how RC are critical for SMEs, proposing a prescriptive description of RC to be managed by SMEs. Under an ontological realism and pragmatism approach, we adopt rational explanations and develop sets of recommendations within the current RC structures through a systematic literature review of 40 case studies published from 1994 to 2022. This study uncovered implicit features of RC as SI in different SME contexts. The findings reveal five RC latent factors, relational issues, collaboration, networks, innovative relationships, and relational performance to support various SI. The main SI identified were skills and behaviors, business relevance, connections and partnerships, disruptive innovation, and partner integration. Therefore, by presenting a qualitative RC conceptual framework, this research offers a linking mechanism on how RC guide SI in SME contexts. This study was conducted to respect an ontological realism and pragmatism approach for judging the validity and quality of findings adopting an epistemological postpositivist approach ensuring (1) credibility, (2) transferability, (3) dependability, and (4) confirmability of the data. It contributes to the social capital and dynamic capabilities literature by expanding, through a relational-based view, the understanding of the relevant role of RC in managing various SI within the context of SMEs.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Aaltonen, K., & Turkulainen, V. (2018). Creating relational capital through socialization in project alliances. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 38(6), 1387–1421. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPM-02-2017-0091
Ackaradejruangsri, P., Mumi, A., Rattanapituk, S., & Pakhunwanich, P. (2022). Exploring the determinants of young inclusive leadership in Thailand: Research taxonomy and theoretical framework. Journal of the Knowledge Economy. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-022-01017-7
Adel, G., & Habib, A. (2018). Mediating role of entrepreneurial orientation on the relationship between relational network and competitive advantages of Tunisian contractors. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 9(2), 665–679. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-016-0358-8
Agostini, L., Nosella, A., Sarala, R., Spender, J.-C., & Wegner, D. (2020). Tracing the evolution of the literature on knowledge management in inter-organizational contexts: A bibliometric analysis. Journal of Knowledge Management, 24(2), 463–490. https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-07-2019-0382
Aguinis, H., Hill, N. S., & Bailey, J. R. (2021). Best practices in data collection and preparation: Recommendations for reviewers, editors, and authors. Organizational Research Methods, 24(4), 678–693. https://doi.org/10.1177/1094428119836485
Aguinis, H., Ramani, R. S., & Alabduljader, N. (2018). What you see is what you get? Enhancing methodological transparency in management research. Academy of Management Annals, 12(1), 83–110. https://doi.org/10.5465/annals.2016.0011
Aguinis, H., Ramani, R. S., & Alabduljader, N. (2020). Best-practice recommendations for producers, evaluators, and users of methodological literature reviews. Organizational Research Methods, 26(1), 46–76. https://doi.org/10.1177/1094428120943281
Aguinis, H., & Solarino, A. M. (2019). Transparency and replicability in qualitative research: The case of interviews with elite informants. Strategic Management Journal, 40(8), 1291–1315. https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.3015
Alkhatib, A. W., & Valeri, M. (2022). Can intellectual capital promote the competitive advantage? Service innovation and big data analytics capabilities in a moderated mediation model. European Journal of Innovation Management. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJIM-04-2022-0186
Alves, F. S., Segatto, A. P., & De-Carli, E. (2016). Theoretical Framework about relational capability on inter-organizational cooperation. Journal of Industrial Integration and Management, 01(04), 1650012. https://doi.org/10.1142/S2424862216500123
Andersson, U., Forsgren, M., & Holm, U. (2002). The strategic impact of external networks: Subsidiary performance and competence development in the multinational corporation. Strategic Management Journal, 23(11), 979–996. https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.267
Anwar, M., Clauss, T., & Ullah, R. (2021). New ventures competitiveness and success; do intellectual capital, IT capabilities, entrepreneurial and market orientation really matter? Journal of Enterprising Culture, 29(04), 295–323. https://doi.org/10.1142/S0218495821500187
Bennat, T. (2022). High innovativeness of SMEs and the Configuration of learning-by-doing, learning-by-using, learning-by-interacting, and learning-by-science: A regional comparison applying fuzzy qualitative comparative analysis. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 13(2), 1666–1691. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-021-00774-1
Biesta, G. (2010). Pragmatism and the philosophical foundations of mixed methods research. Sage Handbook of Mixed Methods in Social and Behavioral Research, 2, 95–118.
Brandes, O., Brege, S., & Brehmer, P.-O. (2013). The strategic importance of supplier relationships in the automotive industry. International Journal of Engineering Business Management, 5, 17. https://doi.org/10.5772/56257
Brass, D. J., Galaskiewicz, J., Greve, H. R., & Tsai, W. (2004). Taking Stock of networks and organizations: A multilevel perspective. Academy of Management Journal, 47(6), 795–817. https://doi.org/10.5465/20159624
Burrell, G., & Morgan, G. (2017). Sociological Paradigms and Organisational Analysis. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315242804
Cantù, C., Giorgia, S., & Tzannis, A. (2018). Exploring the role of business relationships in start-ups’ life cycles: Evidences from the Italian context. IMP Journal, 12(3), 519–543. https://doi.org/10.1108/IMP-07-2017-0037
Capaldo, A. (2007). Network structure and innovation: The leveraging of a dual network as a distinctive relational capability. Strategic Management Journal, 28(6), 585–608. https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.621
Collins, J. D., & Hitt, M. A. (2006). Leveraging tacit knowledge in alliances: The importance of using relational capabilities to build and leverage relational capital. Journal of Engineering and Technology Management, 23(3), 147–167. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jengtecman.2006.06.007
de Almeida, J. M. S., da Costa, P. R., Braga Jr., S. S., & Porto, G. S. (2018). Relational capacity and new product development in small technology-based firms. Revista de Empreendedorismo e Gestao de Pequenas Empresas, 7(3). https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A559211196/IFME?u=anon~f2ba9a60&sid=googleScholar&xid=e8be3dd0. Accessed May 2021.
de Almeida, J. M. S., da Costa, P. R., de Castro Pires, A., & Pigola, A. (2022). Relational capability: A prospective study at Brazilian Technological-Base Enterprises in Biotech Industry. International Journal of Professional Business Review, 7(1), 3.
De Silva, M., & Rossi, F. (2018). The effect of firms’ relational capabilities on knowledge acquisition and co-creation with universities. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 133, 72–84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2018.03.004
Deeds Pamphile, V. (2022). Paradox peers: A relational approach to navigating a business–society paradox. Academy of Management Journal, 65(4), 1274–1302. https://doi.org/10.5465/amj.2019.0616
Ding, R., Dekker, H. C., & Groot, T. (2013). Risk, partner selection and contractual control in interfirm relationships. Management Accounting Research, 24(2), 140–155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mar.2013.04.007
Donada, C., Nogatchewsky, G., & Pezet, A. (2016). Understanding the relational dynamic capability-building process. Strategic Organization, 14(2), 93–117. https://doi.org/10.1177/1476127015615286
Donbesuur, F., Zahoor, N., & Adomako, S. (2021). Postformation alliance capabilities and environmental innovation: The roles of environmental in-learning and relation-specific investments. Business Strategy and the Environment, 30(7), 3330–3343. https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.2805
Dyer, J. H., & Singh, H. (1998). The relational view: Cooperative strategy and sources of interorganizational competitive advantage. Academy of Management Review, 23(4), 660–679. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.1998.1255632
Einola, S., Kohtamäki, M., Parida, V., & Wincent, J. (2017). Retrospective relational sensemaking in R&D offshoring. Industrial Marketing Management, 63, 205–216. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2016.10.001
Fox, N. J. (2008). Post-positivism. The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods, 2, 659–664.
Furlan, A., & Grandinetti, R. (2012). Size, relationships and capabilities: A new approach to the growth of the firm. Human Systems Management, 30(4), 195–213. https://doi.org/10.3233/HSM-2011-0749
Ganson, B., He, T. L., & Henisz, W. J. (2022). Business and Peace: The impact of firm–stakeholder relational strategies on conflict risk. Academy of Management Review, 47(2), 259–281. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2019.0411
Gereffi, G., Humphrey, J., & Sturgeon, T. (2005). The governance of global value chains. Review of International Political Economy, 12(1), 78–104. https://doi.org/10.1080/09692290500049805
Gersick, C. J. G., Dutton, J. E., & Bartunek, J. M. (2000). Learning from academia: The importance of relationships in professional life. Academy of Management Journal, 43(6), 1026–1044. https://doi.org/10.5465/1556333
Gioia, D. A., Corley, K. G., & Hamilton, A. L. (2013). Seeking qualitative rigor in inductive research: Notes on the gioia methodology. Organizational Research Methods, 16(1), 15–31. https://doi.org/10.1177/1094428112452151
Golgeci, I., & Gligor, D. M. (2017). The interplay between key marketing and supply chain management capabilities: The role of integrative mechanisms. Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, 32(3), 472–483. https://doi.org/10.1108/JBIM-05-2016-0102
Grönroos, C. (2017). Relationship marketing readiness: Theoretical background and measurement directions. Journal of Services Marketing, 31(3), 218–225. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSM-02-2017-0056
Hall, J. N. (2013). Pragmatism, evidence, and mixed methods evaluation. New Directions for Evaluation, 2013(138), 15–26. https://doi.org/10.1002/ev.20054
Haq, M. Z. U., Gu, M., & Huo, B. (2021). Enhancing supply chain learning and innovation performance through human resource management. Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, 36(3), 552–568. https://doi.org/10.1108/JBIM-12-2019-0534
Helfat, C. E., Finkelstein, S., Mitchell, W., Peteraf, M., Singh, H., Teece, D., & Winter, S. G. (2009). Dynamic capabilities: Understanding strategic change in organizations. John Wiley & Sons. https://books.google.com.br/books?id=u0Tuh5vixLkC. Accessed May 2021.
Hoon, C. (2013). Meta-synthesis of qualitative case studies: An approach to theory building. Organizational Research Methods, 16(4), 522–556. https://doi.org/10.1177/1094428113484969
Jahja, A. (2017). Quality in qualitative research. Perbanas Institute. https://dosen.perbanas.id/quality-in-quantitative-qualitative-research/. Accessed Jan 2023.
Jordão, R. V. D., & Novas, J. C. (2022). Information and knowledge management, intellectual capital, and sustainable growth in networked small and medium enterprises. Journal of the Knowledge Economy. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-022-01043-5
Juo, W., & Wang, C. (2022). Does green innovation mediate the relationship between green relational view and competitive advantage? Business Strategy and the Environment, 31(5), 2456–2468. https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.3037
Kale, P., Singh, H., & Perlmutter, H. (2000). Learning and protection of proprietary assets in strategic alliances: Building relational capital. Strategic Management Journal, 21(3), 217–237. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1097-0266(200003)21:3<217::AID-SMJ95>3.0.CO;2-Y
Kamalaldin, A., Linde, L., Sjödin, D., & Parida, V. (2020). Transforming provider-customer relationships in digital servitization: A relational view on digitalization. Industrial Marketing Management, 89, 306–325. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2020.02.004
Kitchens, B., Dobolyi, D., Li, J., & Abbasi, A. (2018). Advanced customer analytics: Strategic Value through integration of relationship-oriented big data. Journal of Management Information Systems, 35(2), 540–574. https://doi.org/10.1080/07421222.2018.1451957
Kostova, T. (1999). Transnational Transfer of strategic organizational practices: A contextual perspective. Academy of Management Review, 24(2), 308–324. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.1999.1893938
Kostova, T., & Roth, K. (2002). Adoption of an organizational practice by subsidiaries of multinational corporations: Institutional and relational effects. Academy of Management Journal, 45(1), 215–233. https://doi.org/10.5465/3069293
Kraus, S., Gast, J., Schleich, M., Jones, P., & Ritter, M. (2019). Content is king: How SMEs Create content for social media marketing under limited resources. Journal of Macromarketing, 39(4), 415–430. https://doi.org/10.1177/0276146719882746
Kreye, M. E., Roehrich, J. K., & Lewis, M. A. (2015). Servitising manufacturers: The impact of service complexity and contractual and relational capabilities. Production Planning & Control, 26(14–15), 1233–1246. https://doi.org/10.1080/09537287.2015.1033489
Kuula, M., Malik, M., Raitasuo, P., & Torres, A. R. (2017). The effect of long-term customer relationships and customer-related business uncertainty on the performance of logistic service providers. International Journal of Integrated Supply Management, 11(2/3), 172. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJISM.2017.086243
Lechner, C., & Dowling, M. (2003). Firm networks: External relationships as sources for the growth and competitiveness of entrepreneurial firms. Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, 15(1), 1–26. https://doi.org/10.1080/08985620210159220
Lechner, C., Soppe, B., & Dowling, M. (2016). Vertical coopetition and the sales growth of young and small firms. Journal of Small Business Management, 54(1), 67–84. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsbm.12131
Levin, D. Z., & Cross, R. (2004). The strength of weak ties you can trust: The mediating role of trust in effective knowledge transfer. Management Science, 50(11), 1477–1490. https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.1030.0136
Lipparini, A., & Fratocchi, L. (1999). The capabilities of the transnational firm: Accessing knowledge and leveraging inter-firm relationships. European Management Journal, 17(6), 655–667. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0263-2373(99)00056-0
Lipparini, A., & Sobrero, M. (1994). The glue and the pieces: Entrepreneurship and innovation in small-firm networks. Journal of Business Venturing, 9(2), 125–140. https://doi.org/10.1016/0883-9026(94)90005-1
Locke, K. D. (2005). Grounded theory in management research (Reprinted). SAGE Publ.
Lorenzoni, G., & Lipparini, A. (1999). The leveraging of interfirm relationships as a distinctive organizational capability: A longitudinal study. Strategic Management Journal, 20(4), 317–338. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1097-0266(199904)20:4<317::AID-SMJ28>3.0.CO;2-3
Martins, J. T. (2016). Relational capabilities to leverage new knowledge: Managing directors’ perceptions in UK and Portugal old industrial regions. The Learning Organization, 23(6), 398–414. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLO-03-2016-0022
Mastio, E., Chew, E., & Dovey, K. A. (2019). The learning organization as a context for value co-creation. The Learning Organization, 27(4), 291–303. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLO-12-2018-0219
Maxwell, J. A. (2012). A realist approach for qualitative research. Sage Publ.
McGrath, H., & O’Toole, T. (2018). Extending the concept of familiness to relational capability: A Belgian micro-brewery study. International Small Business Journal: Researching Entrepreneurship, 36(2), 194–219. https://doi.org/10.1177/0266242617730885
Methner, N., Hamann, R., & Nilsson, W. (2015). The evolution of a sustainability leader: The development of strategic and boundary spanning organizational innovation capabilities in Woolworths. In E. V. Bitzer, R. Hamann, M. Hall, & E. W. Griffin-EL (Orgs.) (Eds.), The Business of Social and Environmental Innovation (pp. 87–104). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-04051-6_5
Miemczyk, J., Howard, M., & Johnsen, T. E. (2016). Dynamic development and execution of closed-loop supply chains: A natural resource-based view. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 21(4), 453–469. https://doi.org/10.1108/SCM-12-2014-0405
Munier, F. (2021). Knowledge-based network: The key is the solution of dilemmas. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 12(1), 279–292. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-016-0420-6
Nyamrunda, F. C., & Freeman, S. (2021). Strategic agility, dynamic relational capability and trust among SMEs in transitional economies. Journal of World Business, 56(3), 101175. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwb.2020.101175
Onofrei, G., Nguyen, H. M., Zhang, M., & Fynes, B. (2020). Building supply chain relational capital: The impact of supplier and customer leveraging on innovation performance. Business Strategy and the Environment, 29(8), 3422–3434. https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.2586
Paré, G., Trudel, M.-C., Jaana, M., & Kitsiou, S. (2015). Synthesizing information systems knowledge: A typology of literature reviews. Information & Management, 52(2), 183–199. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2014.08.008
Park, C., & Lee, H. (2015). Value co-creation processes—early stages of value chains involving high-tech business markets: Samsung–Qualcomm semiconductor foundry businesses. Journal of Business-to-Business Marketing, 22(3), 229–252. https://doi.org/10.1080/1051712X.2015.1081016
Park, G., Shin, S. R., & Choy, M. (2020). Early mover (dis)advantages and knowledge spillover effects on blockchain startups’ funding and innovation performance. Journal of Business Research, 109, 64–75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.11.068
Parmigiani, A., Irwin, J., & Lahneman, B. (2021). Building greener motorhomes: How dual-purpose technical and relational capabilities affect component and full product innovation. Strategic Management Journal, 43(6), 1110–1140. https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.3356
Peterson, R. (2004). Crafting information technology governance. Information Systems Management, 21(4), 7–22. https://doi.org/10.1201/1078/44705.21.4.20040901/84183.2
Pigola, A., da Costa, P. R., Porto, G., & Mazieri, M. R. (2023). Towards a comprehensive conceptualization of relational capabilities: An innovation management perspective. Journal of Innovation Management, 10(4), 1–25. https://doi.org/10.24840/2183-0606_010.004_0001
Pigola, A., Da Costa, P. R., & Serra, F. A. R. (2021a). Relational capabilities under moderating and mediating effects to understand their impacts on firm financial performance. International Journal of Business, Economics and Management, 8(5), 332–357. https://doi.org/10.18488/journal.62.2021.85.332.357
Pigola, A., De Santi, P. V., Da Costa, P. R., & Stoporoli, J. (2021b). Intellectual capital on performance: A meta-analysis study enhancing a new perspective of the components. Journal of Intellectual Capital, 23(6), 1379–1403. https://doi.org/10.1108/JIC-01-2021-0025
Poblete, L. A., Mizruchi, M. S., & Murnighan, J. K. (2022). The reconstitution of broken interfirm relations. Long Range Planning, 55(4), 102122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lrp.2021.102122
Prajogo, D., Mena, C., & Chowdhury, M. (2021). The role of strategic collaborations and relational capital in enhancing product performance – a moderated-mediated model. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 41(3), 206–226. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPM-05-2020-0256
Reagans, R., & McEvily, B. (2003). Network structure and knowledge transfer: The effects of cohesion and range. Administrative Science Quarterly, 48(2), 240–267. https://doi.org/10.2307/3556658
Rodríguez-Aceves, L., Mojarro-Durán, B. I., & Rivera, A. E. (2022). Enabling knowledge sharing through relational capital in a family business context. Journal of the Knowledge Economy. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-022-00955-6
Rodríguez-Díaz, M., & Espino-Rodríguez, T. F. (2006). Developing relational capabilities in hotels. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 18(1), 25–40. https://doi.org/10.1108/09596110610641957
Saldaña, J. (2013). The coding manual for qualitative researchers (2nd ed.). SAGE Publ.
Salvato, C., & Vassolo, R. (2018). The sources of dynamism in dynamic capabilities. Strategic Management Journal, 39(6), 1728–1752. https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.2703
Sánchez-Gutiérrez, J., Cabanelas, P., Lampón, J. F., & González-Alvarado, T. E. (2019). The impact on competitiveness of customer value creation through relationship capabilities and marketing innovation. Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, 34(3), 618–627. https://doi.org/10.1108/JBIM-03-2017-0081
Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2019). Research methods for business students (8th ed.). Pearson.
Seo, R. (2020). Entrepreneurial collaboration for R&D alliance performance: A role of social capital configuration. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, 26(6), 1357–1378. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEBR-01-2020-0023
Soetanto, D., & Klofsten, M. (2021). Do networked incubators matter? The impact of entrepreneurial networks on firms’ performance. In E. S. Mian, M. Klofsten, & W. Lamine (Eds.), Handbook of Research on Business and Technology Incubation and Acceleration (pp. 426–445). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781788974783.00035
Steinau, S., Andrews, K., & Reichert, M. (2018). The Relational Process Structure. In E. J. Krogstie & H. A. Reijers (Orgs.) (Eds.), Advanced information systems engineering (Vol. 10816, pp. 53–67). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-91563-0_4
Steinbart, P. J., Keith, M. J., & Babb, J. (2016). Examining the continuance of secure behavior: A longitudinal field study of mobile device authentication. Information Systems Research, 27(2), 219–239. https://doi.org/10.1287/isre.2016.0634
Steinhardt, I. (2020). Learning open science by doing open science. A reflection of a qualitative research project-based seminar. Education for Information, 36(3), 263–279. https://doi.org/10.3233/EFI-190308
Storbacka, K. (2012). Strategic account management programs: Alignment of design elements and management practices. Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, 27(4), 259–274. https://doi.org/10.1108/08858621211221643
Susarla, A., Holzhacker, M., & Krishnan, R. (2020). Calculative trust and interfirm contracts. Management Science, 66(11), 5465–5484. https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2019.3394
Swan, J., Goussevskaia, A., Newell, S., Robertson, M., Bresnen, M., & Obembe, A. (2007). Modes of organizing biomedical innovation in the UK and US and the role of integrative and relational capabilities. Research Policy, 36(4), 529–547. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2007.02.014
Todorova, G., & Durisin, B. (2007). Absorptive capacity: Valuing a reconceptualization. Academy of Management Review, 32(3), 774–786. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2007.25275513
Torrigiani, C. (2016). Evaluation and social capital: A theory-driven and participatory approach. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 7(1), 248–258. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-014-0213-8
Van Iddekinge, C. H., Aguinis, H., Mackey, J. D., & DeOrtentiis, P. S. (2018). A meta-analysis of the interactive, additive, and relative effects of cognitive ability and motivation on performance. Journal of Management, 44(1), 249–279. https://doi.org/10.1177/0149206317702220
Verwaal, E. (2017). Global outsourcing, explorative innovation and firm financial performance: A knowledge-exchange based perspective. Journal of World Business, 52(1), 17–27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwb.2016.10.004
Vesalainen, J., & Hakala, H. (2014). Strategic capability architecture: The role of network capability. Industrial Marketing Management, 43(6), 938–950. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2014.05.008
Wang, Y., & Rajagopalan, N. (2015). Alliance capabilities: Review and research agenda. Journal of Management, 41(1), 236–260. https://doi.org/10.1177/0149206314557157
Witschel, D., Döhla, A., Kaiser, M., Voigt, K.-I., & Pfletschinger, T. (2019). Riding on the wave of digitization: Insights how and under what settings dynamic capabilities facilitate digital-driven business model change. Journal of Business Economics, 89(8–9), 1023–1095. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11573-019-00950-5
Wu, R., Huo, B., Yu, Y., & Zhang, Z. (2022). Quality and green management for operational and environmental performance: Relational capital in supply chain management. International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications, 25(4–5), 471–492. https://doi.org/10.1080/13675567.2020.1836138
Yu, Y., Zhang, J. Z., Cao, Y., & Kazancoglu, Y. (2021). Intelligent transformation of the manufacturing industry for industry 4.0: Seizing financial benefits from supply chain relationship capital through enterprise green management. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 172, 120999. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2021.120999
Zander, U., & Kogut, B. (1995). Knowledge and the speed of the transfer and imitation of organizational capabilities: An empirical test. Organization Science, 6(1), 76–92. https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.6.1.76
Zaremba, B. W., Bode, C., & Wagner, S. M. (2017). New venture partnering capability: An empirical investigation into how buying firms effectively leverage the potential of innovative new ventures. Journal of Supply Chain Management, 53(1), 41–64. https://doi.org/10.1111/jscm.12116
Zhang, L., & Shih, T. (2022). Collective and individual social capital and the impact on incubator tenants’ graduation. Journal of the Knowledge Economy. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-022-00994-z
Funding
CAPES—Coordination of Personnel Improvement for Higher Education supports this study in Brazil: Code 001.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
Publisher’s Note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
Supplementary information
Rights and permissions
Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
About this article
Cite this article
Pigola, A., da Costa, P.R. Relational Capabilities into Small- and Middle-Sized Firms: a Mind-Blowing Strategic Asset. J Knowl Econ (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-023-01350-5
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-023-01350-5