Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

submittedVersion

Publication Date

7-2016

Abstract

We examine individuals' collaboration preferences in the Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN) for the UK plastics electronics sector. Using conjoint analysis, we investigate how aspiration gaps and relational capability affect the value placed on potential organizational collaborations. Aspiration gaps reflect individuals' perception of whether they are ahead of or behind peers on their career trajectory, and relational capability captures three distinct dimensions: networking skills, openness to collaborate, and network awareness. Our findings suggest that positive and negative aspiration gaps augment preferences to form organizational partnerships. These effects are positively moderated by networking skills and openness and negatively moderated by network awareness. We discuss the implications of these findings for theories of partnership formation, scientific collaboration, and behavioral strategy.

Keywords

aspirations, collaboration, conjoint analysis, networks, preferences, R&D

Discipline

Strategic Management Policy | Technology and Innovation

Research Areas

Strategy and Organisation

Publication

Strategic Management Journal

Volume

37

Issue

7

First Page

1493

Last Page

1506

ISSN

0143-2095

Identifier

10.1002/smj.2396

Publisher

Wiley

Embargo Period

9-13-2015

Copyright Owner and License

Authors

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.2396

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