Operational capabilities dissemination for sustainable competitiveness: towards an integrated framework

Abstract

This article aims to present an integrated framework, composed by micro and meso factors that impact the process of operational capabilities dissemination among an intraorganisational network (manufacturing or service provider). There are various perspectives to explain it, however, due to high number of factors and complexity of operational capabilities elements, previous studies seem to be incomplete to unfold the entire process of capability dissemination. This study comprises a multi-stage empirical analysis of manager's perceptions of the factors for building a cognitive causal model for operational capability dissemination within a network. The contribution of this study includes: 1) as a methodological tool, it can support future researchers during the difficult process of forming causal relations; 2) as a theoretical framework for operational capabilities dissemination to sustain and spread competitiveness among units; 3) can support managers to address actions for capability dissemination and overcome the challenges to keep sustainable competitiveness.