Impact of the fit of knowledge search and absorptive capacity on enterprise innovation performance——The mediating role of knowledge integration

LI Bai-Zhou; ZENG Jing-Wei

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Science Research Management ›› 2021, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (6) : 120-127.

Impact of the fit of knowledge search and absorptive capacity on enterprise innovation performance——The mediating role of knowledge integration

Li Baizhou^1,2, Zeng Jingwei^1,2

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Abstract

Knowledge is an important resource for enterprises to enhance their capabilities, develop products and services, and also an important support for enterprises to maintain their competitive advantages. Knowledge search is an important channel for enterprises to acquire knowledge from outside, and absorptive capacity is a dynamic capability of combining internal and external enterprises. However, there are always differences on the impact of knowledge search and absorptive capacity on innovation performance. Based on the knowledge-based view, this paper combines the matching theory, integrates the characteristics of knowledge search and absorptive capacity, and divides the dimensions. This paper explores the impact mechanism of the fit between knowledge search and absorptive capacity on enterprise innovation performance, introduces knowledge integration as a mediation variable, and explores the intrinsic influence mechanism of the fit between knowledge search and absorptive capacity on enterprise innovation performance.
Firstly, this paper divides the "search-absorption" fit into two dimensions: "search-absorption" fit degree and "search-absorption" fit intensity. Four models have been developed: "high search-high absorption", "low search-low absorption", "low search-high absorption" and "high search-low absorption". Based on the literature review, three hypotheses about the "search-absorption" fit and enterprise innovation performance are obtained. On this basis, the paper puts forward the hypothesis of the mediating role of knowledge integration. Therefore, the paper puts forward four research hypotheses.
Secondly, the paper designs a questionnaire based on literature, and the research sent out 500 questionnaires, which 327 questionnaires collected were used for empirical analysis. This paper confirms the reliability and validity of the questionnaire data, carries out descriptive statistics, and uses the methods of polynomial regression, response surface analysis and hierarchical regression analysis to test the four hypotheses. The results show that different dimensions of "search-absorption" fit have different impacts on innovation performance. In the case of the fit between knowledge search and absorptive capacity, the innovation performance of enterprises is better when both knowledge search and absorptive capacity are at high levels. Enterprises with "low search-high absorption" have higher enterprise innovation performance than they are in "high search-low absorption" state. The better the "search-absorption" fit is, the better the enterprise innovation performance. "Search-absorption fit" has a significant positive impact on enterprise innovation performance. High-level knowledge search and high-level absorptive capacity can bring better enterprise innovation performance. The ideal state of enterprise should be "search-absorption fit" under high-intensity. This conclusion is further confirmed by the response surface of "search-absorption" fit and enterprise innovation performance. Knowledge integration plays a partial mediate role between "search-absorption" fit and enterprise innovation performance. This paper uses PROCESS program developed by Hayes and Bootstrapping repeated sampling to further verify the mediation effect.
Finally, according to the research conclusion, the paper combines the relationship between "search-absorption" fit, knowledge integration and enterprise innovation performance, clarifies the intrinsic influence mechanism, achieves important theoretical contributions and puts forward management inspiration. The theoretical contributions of this paper are as follows:(1) The paper puts forward the view of "search-absorption" fit, and explores its impact on enterprise innovation performance from a new perspective, and enrich the relevant literature on the influencing factors of enterprise innovation performance.(2) The proposition of "search-absorb" fit degree and "search-absorb" fit intensity has formed a useful supplement to the scholars′ debate on the impact of knowledge search, absorptive capacity and enterprise innovation performance.(3) Introducing knowledge integration into the intrinsic influence mechanism of "search-absorption" fit on enterprise innovation performance reveals the important path of "search-absorption" fit affecting enterprise innovation performance, and expands the relevant mechanism of knowledge integration.
Enterprises should pay attention to the following aspects:(1) Enterprises should attach importance to the matching between internal and external capabilities of enterprises, not blindly search for knowledge, to have a profound understanding of the internal knowledge absorption capacity of enterprises themselves.(2) Enterprises should enhance the ability of knowledge integration, support cross-sectoral exchanges, strengthen the exchange of ideas and knowledge flow among employees, attach importance to the role of knowledge management in enterprises, and establish and improve knowledge management system.(3) Enterprises should implement the new development concept of "innovation, coordination, green, openness and sharing", adjust their strategies in the best moment opportunely, and pay attention to the matching of internal and external capabilities in order to maintain their competitive advantages.

Key words

"search-absorption" fit / enterprise innovation performance / knowledge integration / knowledge base view

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Li Baizhou, Zeng Jingwei. Impact of the fit of knowledge search and absorptive capacity on enterprise innovation performance——The mediating role of knowledge integration[J]. Science Research Management. 2021, 42(6): 120-127

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