THE LEVERAGING OF INERFIRM RELATIONSHIPS AS A DISTINCTIVE ORGANIZATIONAL CAPABILITY: A LONGITUDINAL STUDY

摘要

In this paper we present a study of the structure of three lead firm-network relationships at two points in tiem. Using data on companies in the packaging machine industry, we study the process of vertical disintegration adn focus on the abiltiy of coordinate competencies and combien knowledge across coporate boundaries. We argue that the capability to interact with other companies---which we call relational capability-accelerates the lead firm's knowledge access and transfer wtih relevant effects on company growth and innovativeness.