External Knowledge Search and Firm Performance:Evidence from Information Technology Outsourcing Vendors

Abstract

Abstract:

In the current era of knowledge economy,external knowledge search is an important means for enterprises to obtain competitive advantage.However,existing researches conclude inconsistent results about the relationship between external knowledge search and firm performance.Meanwhile,there exist different opinions with regard to the relationship between internal knowledge base and external knowledge search.This research examines the moderating role of firm's business knowledge base and technological knowledge base on the relationship between external knowledge search and firm performance.It further explores how entrepreneurial orientation impacts the moderation effect of internal knowledge bases on the relationship between external knowledge search and firm performance.Based on the survey data from 129 information technology outsourcing vendors,the empirical results show that:Technological knowledge base moderates the relationship between external knowledge search and firm performance in an inverted-U shape;business knowledge base positively moderates the relationship between external knowledge search and firm performance;Entrepreneurial orientation positively moderates the moderation effect of internal knowledge bases on the relationship between external knowledge search and firm performance.

Key words: external knowledge search, knowledge base, entrepreneurial orientation, business knowledge, technological knowledge

Pan Jia, Liu Yi, Zheng Songyue. External Knowledge Search and Firm Performance:Evidence from Information Technology Outsourcing Vendors[J]. , 2017, 29(6): 73-84.

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