Title: The relationships between learning in alliances, information technology and innovation-supportive culture capabilities

Authors: Jose Benitez-Amado, Maria Nieves Perez-Arostegui, Javier Tamayo-Torres, Vanesa Barrales Molina

Addresses: Department of Management, School of Economics and Business, University of Granada, Campus Universitario de la Cartuja s/n, 18011 Granada, Spain. ' Department of Management, School of Economics and Business, University of Granada, Campus Universitario de la Cartuja s/n, 18011 Granada, Spain. ' Department of Management, School of Economics and Business, University of Granada, Campus Universitario de la Cartuja s/n, 18011 Granada, Spain. ' Department of Management, School of Economics and Business, University of Granada, Campus Universitario de la Cartuja s/n, 18011 Granada, Spain

Abstract: To the best of our knowledge, alliances literature does not examine sufficiently which specific capabilities firms can develop or enhance by working with alliance partners. In addition, very little information systems research tests the link between information technology (IT) and development of a culture supporting innovation. Nor have these literatures properly analysed if and how IT could moderate the interface between learning in alliances and innovative capabilities. This study examines the relationships between learning in alliances, IT management and innovation-supportive culture, placing special emphasis on testing the moderating role of IT management in the relationship between learning in alliances and innovation-supportive culture. Using survey data from a sample of 203 Spanish firms we find that both learning in alliances and IT management positively affect innovation-supportive culture. Further, the results support the moderating role of IT management capability in the relationship between learning in alliances and innovation-supportive culture.

Keywords: learning alliances; information technology; IT management capability; innovation culture; firm innovation; innovative capabilities; strategic alliances; inter-organisational relationships; competitive advantage; relational view; resource-based view; RBV; dynamic capabilities theory; contingency theory; Spain; organisational capabilities; IT-enabled.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBE.2011.041593

International Journal of Business Environment, 2011 Vol.4 No.3, pp.234 - 253

Received: 06 Mar 2010
Accepted: 09 Mar 2010

Published online: 27 Sep 2014 *

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