Ambidexterity in MNC knowledge sourcing in emerging economies: a microfoundational perspective

Article

Dodourova, M., Zhao, S. and Harzing, A. 2023. Ambidexterity in MNC knowledge sourcing in emerging economies: a microfoundational perspective. International Business Review. 32 (2). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibusrev.2021.101854
TypeArticle
TitleAmbidexterity in MNC knowledge sourcing in emerging economies: a microfoundational perspective
AuthorsDodourova, M., Zhao, S. and Harzing, A.
Abstract

Innovation performance of multinational corporations (MNCs) derives from access to and utilization of a combination of explorative and exploitative knowledge across heterogeneous settings. These settings increasingly encompass flagship industries in emerging economies. There is limited research, however, that scrutinizes the processes of knowledge sourcing within such dynamic host environments, taking into account MNCs’ differing location capabilities.
We draw on the concept of ambidexterity – the combination of exploration and exploitation – and the microfoundations approach to study eleven MNCs in the Bulgarian software development industry by focusing on their local R&D projects. We extend the explanatory capacity of ambidexterity at the micro level and clarify the relationship between exploration and exploitation by identifying four types of ambidexterity: global knowledge differentiator, global-local knowledge integrator, emerging local-global integrator, and local knowledge integrator. Our typology is underpinned by three specific dimensions of R&D capabilities: technical know-how, scope of expertise, and market potential.

KeywordsKnowledge sourcing; Microfoundations; Ambidexterity; Location capability; Emerging economy
PublisherElsevier
JournalInternational Business Review
ISSN0969-5931
Electronic1873-6149
Publication dates
Online17 Apr 2021
Print01 Apr 2023
Publication process dates
Deposited21 Apr 2021
Accepted10 Apr 2021
Submitted27 Aug 2020
Output statusPublished
Accepted author manuscript
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Copyright Statement

© 2021. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibusrev.2021.101854
Web of Science identifierWOS:000992810800001
LanguageEnglish
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