Knowledge sharing and knowledge protection in strategic alliances: the effects of trust and formal contracts. Issue 11 (1st November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Guo, Wenyu; Yang, Jianjun; Li, Dan; Lyu, Chongchong
• Is Part Of: Technology analysis & strategic management. Volume 32:Issue 11(2020)
• Page Start: 1366
• Page End: 1378
• Publication Date: 2020-11-01
• Subjects: Strategic alliances -- knowledge sharing -- knowledge protection -- trust -- formal contracts; Technological innovations -- Management -- Periodicals; Research, Industrial -- Management -- Periodicals; High technology industries -- Management -- Periodicals; Strategic planning -- Periodicals; 658.401205
• DOI: 10.1080/09537325.2020.1769840
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0953-7325

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This paper examines how the simultaneous application of knowledge sharing and knowledge protection (the ambidexterity dimension) impacts new product development. The study explores the impacts of two fundamental control mechanisms (trust and formal contracts) on the ambidexterity dimension in strategic alliances. A survey of 302 Chinese firms indicates that ambidexterity of knowledge sharing and knowledge protection enhances new product development. The results also show that trust has an inverted U-shaped relationship with the ambidexterity dimension; that formal contracts are damaging to the ambidexterity dimension; and that the interaction between trust and formal contracts adversely affects ambidexterity. This paper thus highlights the positive role played by moderate social control in maintaining ambidexterity.