The 'hows' of dynamic capabilities

Underlying processes and their drivers

authored by: Hans Gerd Ridder, Christina Hoon, Alina McCandless
Abstract: Recent theoretical discussions have emphasized that organizational processes are a central feature of capabilities. Little is known, however, about the underlying processes through which organizations undergo a change in resource position or operational capability and how these processes are associated with dynamic capabilities. A review of case studies that draw upon the dynamic capabilities approach is conducted to shed light upon this relationship and explore what enables the underlying processes through which dynamic capabilities are developed and deployed. Demonstrating that there is no strict distinction between the processes of dynamic capability development or deployment, our analysis of the case studies reveals that six classes of underlying processes exist that underpin both building new capabilities and putting existing capabilities into use. The core contribution of our paper is insight into the operation of an organization's dynamic capabilities. Findings show that dynamic capabilities operate as a function of a bundle of reinforcing underlying processes, which in turn emerge from core drivers that promote, guide, support and direct these bundles. Overall we contribute to the emerging discussion on the "process side" of dynamic capabilities by emphasizing refocusing this discussion on the relationship of dynamic capabilities, underlying processes and their drivers as a primary consideration for future research.
Organisation(s): Institute of Human Resource Management and Organizational Behavior
Type: Conference article
Journal: Academy of Management Proceedings
Volume: 2009
ISSN: 0065-0668
Publication date: 01.08.2009
Publication status: Published
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: Management Information Systems, Management of Technology and Innovation, Industrial relations
Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.5465/ambpp.2009.44256482 (Access: Closed)

BibTeX

@article{187f43cde4074dcb96ea84ff828e1ce6,
title = "The 'hows' of dynamic capabilities: Underlying processes and their drivers",
abstract = "Recent theoretical discussions have emphasized that organizational processes are a central feature of capabilities. Little is known, however, about the underlying processes through which organizations undergo a change in resource position or operational capability and how these processes are associated with dynamic capabilities. A review of case studies that draw upon the dynamic capabilities approach is conducted to shed light upon this relationship and explore what enables the underlying processes through which dynamic capabilities are developed and deployed. Demonstrating that there is no strict distinction between the processes of dynamic capability development or deployment, our analysis of the case studies reveals that six classes of underlying processes exist that underpin both building new capabilities and putting existing capabilities into use. The core contribution of our paper is insight into the operation of an organization's dynamic capabilities. Findings show that dynamic capabilities operate as a function of a bundle of reinforcing underlying processes, which in turn emerge from core drivers that promote, guide, support and direct these bundles. Overall we contribute to the emerging discussion on the {"}process side{"} of dynamic capabilities by emphasizing refocusing this discussion on the relationship of dynamic capabilities, underlying processes and their drivers as a primary consideration for future research.",
keywords = "Drivers, Dynamic capabilities, Processes",
author = "Ridder, {Hans Gerd} and Christina Hoon and Alina McCandless",
year = "2009",
month = aug,
day = "1",
doi = "10.5465/ambpp.2009.44256482",
language = "English",
volume = "2009",
journal = "Academy of Management Proceedings",
issn = "0065-0668",
publisher = "Academy of Management",
number = "1",
note = "69th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management, AOM 2009 ; Conference date: 07-08-2009 Through 11-08-2009",
}