Title: The effects of relational embeddedness on service innovation performance: network competence as a mediator

Authors: Zhaoquan Jian; Mohamed Ali Osman; Lei Li

Addresses: School of Business Administration, South China University of Technology, Guangdong Sheng, China ' School of Business Administration, South China University of Technology, Guangdong Sheng, China ' School of Management, Guilin University of Technology, Guangxi Zhuangzuzizhiqu, China

Abstract: Based on network theory and surveys of 243 service providing enterprises in South China, this study investigates the effects of relational embeddedness and network competence on service innovation performance respectively. The mechanisms by which network competence mediates the relationship between relational embeddedness and service innovation were also discussed. Results reveal that both relational embeddedness and network competence are positively related to service innovation performance; network competence has a fully mediating effect on the relationship between relational embeddedness and service innovation performance. This paper contributes to the service innovation literature by extending theories regarding relational embeddedness and network competence to the research field of service innovation.

Keywords: relationship networks; relational embeddedness; network competence; service innovation; innovation performance; China.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSOI.2017.081513

International Journal of Services Operations and Informatics, 2017 Vol.8 No.3, pp.246 - 262

Received: 18 Apr 2016
Accepted: 06 Sep 2016
Published online: 10 Jan 2017 *

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