Configuration Theory Research Articles

How Digitalization and Its Context Affect the Urban–Rural Income Gap: A Configurational Analysis Based on 274 Prefecture-Level Administrative Regions in China

Digitalization offers an opportunity to narrow the economic gap between urban and rural areas; however, there are fragmented and competing explanations regarding its impact mechanisms. Responding to calls for research on the complex effects of digitalization, this paper, based on a contextual perspective and configurational theory, analyzes the impact of digitalization conditions embedded in contexts on the urban–rural income gap. The study, based on a sample of 274 prefecture-level administrative regions in China from 2014 to 2021, employs a Panel Fuzzy-Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (Panel fsQCA) and Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA). The combined application of necessity analysis and sufficiency analysis reveals that certain digitalization conditions—such as digital infrastructure, digital industry, and digital finance—have a universal influence on the urban–rural income gap. Importantly, the sufficiency analysis demonstrates that the impact mechanisms of digitalization conditions exhibit configurational effects, varying with changes in contextual and conditional combinations. The models that significantly narrow the urban–rural income gap include (1) the “infrastructure–finance–governance” model, (2) the comprehensive digital transformation model, (3) the “technology–infrastructure–industry” model, and (4) the digital infrastructure transformation model. Among these, the comprehensive digital transformation model is the most universally effective. These configurations reflect the logic of completeness and substitutability and exhibit specific dynamic evolutionary trends and spatial distribution characteristics. These findings provide contextual and adaptable empirical insights for economies, including China, to implement targeted digital transformation strategies that effectively narrow the urban–rural income gap. For instance, economies can focus on developing comprehensive digital transformation in prosperous and open regions to reduce income gap.

Facilitating Individual Innovation from the Perspective of Social Network Ties: A Fuzzy‐Set QCA Approach

ABSTRACTPursuing successful innovation poses a significant challenge for employees, as generating creative ideas does not guarantee final innovation outcomes (i.e., products). To enrich our understanding of the critical factors that contribute to the success of transforming creative ideas into innovation outcomes, drawing on the social network perspective and configuration theory, we utilize the fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) approach to identify how different social network tie configurations facilitate various stages of individual innovation, including idea generation and idea implementation. Through a survey of 216 R&D employees in China, we have identified four pathways with distinct configurations that promote high levels of idea generation and three pathways that facilitate high levels of idea implementation. This work contributes to developing a configurational strategy for facilitating individual innovation from the perspective of social network ties, thus shedding light on how employees might successfully traverse different stages of the innovation journey.

Configurational theory in business and management research: Status quo and guidelines for the application of qualitative comparative analysis (QCA)

Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) has become a key method in Business and Management research, sparking significant discussions about its use. While many studies have explored QCA's application across various research contexts, there has been limited focus on the critical link between its theoretical foundations and methodological applications. Our review of QCA literature in Business and Management research (n = 675 articles) reveals that many studies focus more on methodological aspects than configurational theorizing. Despite repeated calls for stronger theoretical integration, only a limited number of studies have successfully employed QCA in a way that aligns theoretical principles with empirical investigation. Additionally, we found a predominant use of QCA in inductive research, though a surprising number of deductive studies misuse QCA for hypothesis testing—despite its incompatibility with set-theoretic approaches. We clarify that QCA should not be employed for hypothesis testing and emphasize its proper deductive use in evaluating theory through the alignment of theoretical propositions and empirical findings. Furthermore, we provide guidelines for conducting rigorous QCA and offer a research protocol to better align theoretical foundations with methodological applications. With this, the study contributes to the field by addressing gaps in how QCA is applied and enhancing its use in configurational theorizing.

Analysis of Force Distribution and Motion Characteristic of Hybrid-Driven Tensegrity Parallel Mechanism

Abstract Tensegrity parallel mechanisms is a novel spatial structure composed of cable-based and rigid-based chains, which is characterized by lightweight, multi-stability, high precision, good stiffness, and high load-bearing capacity. This paper focuses on the six-degree-of-freedom tensegrity parallel mechanism, analyzing its static equilibrium and presenting the force equilibrium equations. A model for cable tension distribution optimization is established, utilizing different P-norm objective functions to optimize the distribution of tension in cables and rigid links, discussing the reasons for unreasonable tensions in the system. Under given constraints on the motion pairs of the mechanism, the workspace of the mechanism is plotted, and factors influencing the size of the workspace are analyzed. Finally, the singularity of the mechanism is addressed based on the Jacobian matrix, demonstrating the feasibility of reaching the space volume by the mechanism. It has certain reference significance for the configuration theory and analysis methods of tensegrity parallel mechanisms and rigid-flexible coupling mechanisms, and provides a reference for the further promotion and application of mechanisms.

A Configural Theory of Person-Environment Fit Through the Lens of Collectivism

ABSTRACT Fit with multiple layers of the organizational environment is essential for the effective functioning of employees. However, our knowledge of complex co-influences of multiple person-environment (p-E) fit types on work outcomes remains mostly theoretical. Drawing on sensemaking theory and collectivistic cultural frameworks, this study develops a configural theory of p-E fit. We then apply a fuzzy set approach to empirically demonstrate that work attitudes (job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and turnover intention) are a function of (a) employees’ holistic perceptions of p-E fit instead of independent fit dimensions; and (b) configurations consisting of multi-fit perceptions are formed in response to a confluence of both in-group and institutional collectivism. We also show that p-E fit perceptions are characterized by equifinality (i.e. multiple solutions exist for each work attitude). Our study not only applies a cultural lens to examine multi-fit models but also highlights the importance of fine-tuning complex collectivistic influences.

The impact of audit on IT governance: A study of the financial services sector in Ghana

AbstractIn recent years, IT governance has been a subject of discussion among academics and practitioners. The concern has been on the need to implement governance mechanisms and ensure the right balance of these mechanisms. However, the audit of IT governance mechanisms has received very little attention. This paper aims to analyse the overall impact of IT governance audits on the maturity and coherence of governance mechanisms. Guided by the configurational theory, the researchers argue that when governance mechanisms operate coherently and are regularly audited, there will be improvement in IT governance and the performance of financial institutions. In this study, seven financial services companies in Ghana were reviewed, and their IT governance maturity was assessed after seven months of auditing with a COBIT 5‐driven IT audit framework. Two surveys were conducted, one before and one after the auditing. The findings of the study confirm the claim that regular auditing improves IT governance maturity and coherence. Several governance mechanisms within the case organizations improved to one higher level of maturity on the Capability Maturity Model. This improvement was after seven months of auditing. Regular auditing also improved IT roles and responsibilities, empowered IT personnel and improved the IT budgetary control and architecture of the entities. This study has implications for practice. It emphasizes the importance of independent regular IT auditing and the need to ensure coherence among IT governance mechanisms if effective IT governance is to be achieved in financial institutions.

Mapping the relationship between traffic accidents, road network configuration, and urban land use

Understanding the nature of traffic accidents in relation to urban access networks is crucial for building safer and more resilient cities. This paper examines the issue of traffic accidents through the lenses of urban configurational theory and urban land use. Three data layers were used in the study, including space syntax analysis conducted in Depthmap X, geotagged traffic accidents collected by the police department, and geotagged land-use data. The method involved superimposing these data layers and exploring potential correlations using a geographic information system (GIS). The findings indicate significant correlations between the spatial frequency of traffic accidents and the choice measure (at 2500 m), local integration, and active land use. The findings of this study can help inform planners and policymakers about the best location to implement safety measures to reduce the risk of traffic accidents in urban access networks.

Navigating uncertainty: configurations of entrepreneurial behaviors for new venture performance

Purpose The entrepreneurial process often cannot be explained by a single entrepreneurial theory. Instead, it is more likely the result of the interaction between various entrepreneurial behavior patterns and different environmental conditions. However, existing research has frequently overlooked the complexity inherent in the entrepreneurial phenomenon. Building on a configurational perspective, this study aims to examine how new ventures can use different behavioral configurations to achieve high performance amid various uncertain environments. Design/methodology/approach Based on the survey data from 143 new start-ups in China’s software industry, this study uses fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). Findings This study jointly considers multiple entrepreneurial behaviors − causation, effectuation and entrepreneurial bricolage and different types of environmental uncertainty − state uncertainty, effect uncertainty and response uncertainty. The findings reveal three behavioral configurations for high/nonhigh new venture performance. Originality/value This study expands previous insights into the relationship between entrepreneurial behaviors and new venture performance from the perspective of configurational theory. Moreover, it offers new insights into the types of uncertainty, further refining our understanding of the uncertainties inherent in entrepreneurial activities.

Configurational risks and innovation performance of complex product systems development: A fsQCA lens

Complex products and systems (CoPS) development demands effective risk management, which is frequently impeded by a lack of clarity regarding the impact of risks on performance. This study aims to investigate how multiple risks jointly affect innovation performance in CoPS projects. Based on the configurational theory and WSR framework, we use fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) with data from 97 CoPS projects and examine the combined effects of risks on innovation performance. We identify two types leading to high innovation performance and four patterns causing low innovation performance. The results verify the asymmetrical causality of the influence of risks on innovation performance in CoPS projects. The findings contribute to broadening the relationship studies of risk and innovation performance by adopting an empirical method in the context of CoPS. Moreover, our study can help managers implement flexible risk management activities within CoPS projects, by addressing several equivalent and distinctive paths.

Agri-food supply chain concentration and financial growth: configuration and congruence approaches

PurposeThe importance of the agri-food supply chain in both food production and distribution has made the issue of its development a critical concern. Based on configuration theory and congruence theory, this research investigates the complex impact of supply chain concentration on financial growth in agri-food supply chains.Design/methodology/approachThe cluster analysis and response surface methodology are employed to analyse the data collected from 207 Chinese agri-food companies from 2010 to 2022.FindingsThe results indicate that different combination patterns of supply chain concentration can lead to different levels of financial growth. We discover that congruent supplier and customer concentration is beneficial for companies’ financial growth. This impact is more pronounced when the company is in the agricultural production stage of agri-food supply chains. Post-hoc analysis indicates that there exists an inverted U-shaped relationship between the overall levels of supply chain concentration and financial growth.Practical implicationsOur research uncovers the complex interplay between supply chain base and financial outcomes, thereby revealing significant ramifications for agri-food supply chain managers to optimise their strategies for exceptional financial growth.Originality/valueThis study proposes a combined approach of cluster analysis and response surface analysis for analysing configuration issues in supply chain management.

Compound words of Central Kurdish from the perspective of configuration theory

This study is entitled “Compound Words of Central Kurdish from the Perspective of Configuration Theory”. to analyzes compound words from the perspective of Configuration theory. The scope is within the framework of Cognitive Morphology based on Zaki Hamawand (2011). The importance of this research is the originality as the first work in Kurdish language on the mentioned field above. The concept and meaning of compound words are changed, according to people's view and experiences. They fall into different domains, which is the problem. The aim of the study is to find a solution from the perspective of configuration theory for it, and identify the domain and facet, that include Central Kurdish compound nouns and compound adjectives. The focus is only on compound nouns and adjectives among compound words for analysis process. In addition to the researcher’s interest and being native in the targeted language, the used materials are taken from library data that are used as sources in the study. The paper consists of an introduction, two sections, conclusions, and the list of references. As a result, the domains and facets that contain Middle Kurdish compound nouns and compound adjectives are identified, which are explained by distinguishing two kinds: first, Compound words in Inter-class words. Second, Compound words in Intra-class words.

Focused or Integrated? A Configurational Theory of Stakeholder Management for Firm Crisis Performance

Focused or Integrated? A Configurational Theory of Stakeholder Management for Firm Crisis Performance

What are the right configurations of just-in-time and just-in-case when supply chain shocks increase?

Shocks caused by COVID-19 pandemic have compelled manufacturers to decrease their reliance upon just-in-time (JIT) and embrace a more just-in-case (JIC) approach. This study clarifies the right configurations of JIT and JIC under low/high upstream and downstream shocks. Drawing upon contingency theory and configuration theory, a framework is developed to differentiate configurations of JIT/JIC under low/high magnitude SC shocks. Survey data from China's manufacturing industry, which experienced SC shocks due to COVID-19, are analysed by regression and sub-group analyses. The results show that only upstream shocks have a negative impact on operational performance. The effect of JIC (but not JIT) on operational performance is strengthened by upstream and downstream shocks. When shocks are high, increasing JIC is effective only when JIT is low. These empirical findings demonstrate that manufacturers can improve operational performance by emphasising JIC models under high SC shocks. Those with high JIT benefit from low JIC under low shock settings.

How can new farmers improve their entrepreneurial performance? Qualitative comparative analysis based on fuzzy sets

Based on the configuration theory, this paper discusses the multiple concurrent causes and causal complex mechanisms affecting the performance differences among different new farmers. Using the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis method, taking 40 cases of CCTV’s “ZHI FU JING” column as samples, the paper analyzes the necessary conditions for new farmers to produce high performance by the anthefactory-variable configuration composed of human capital, social capital, psychological capital, entrepreneurial learning and entrepreneurial opportunity identification. The results show that: (1) high human capital is the necessary core condition for new farmers to produce high entrepreneurial performance, lack of high entrepreneurial learning and lack of high entrepreneurial opportunity identification is the core necessary condition for low entrepreneurial performance; (2) the driving mechanism of new farmers’ high entrepreneurial performance is divided into three paths, and the driving mechanism of new farmers’ low entrepreneurial performance is divided into two paths; and (3) the ways of inhibiting new farmers’ performance and promoting their performance are asymmetrical.

Inner struggle or identity fit – control configurations that improve management accountants’ sense of their identity

PurposeThis study aims to investigate which configurations of organizational-level and group-level management controls support an identity fit for management accountants in the management accounting profession. It aims to complement recent qualitative management accounting research. This stream just begun to use role and identity theory to investigate role expectations, conflicts and coping strategies of management accountants when they struggle with their work identity.Design/methodology/approachBased on configuration theory, this study uses a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to indicate all possible configurations of formal and informal management controls that improve management accountants’ sense of their identity in an organization. The analyses are based on the results of a cross-sectional survey of 277 management accountants from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.FindingsThe results show that a strong group culture and high psychological safety at the group level are relevant conditions for a high identity fit. Further, the configurations differ regarding the career stages of management accountants.Originality/valueThis study contributes to work identity research of management accountants and to research on formal and informal control configurations as a control package. It is of particular importance for various professions that are affected by role change, as from the findings on management accountants’ identity fit, implications can also be made for other organizational functions that need to engage in identity work.

Exploring the drivers of supply chain sustainability: An internal and external configuration perspective

AbstractThe global supply chains sustainability and viability has been severely impacted due to the emergence of black swan events such as COVID‐19. Previous studies have examined how to enhance supply chain sustainability from a single internal capability perspective or an external relationship perspective, few studies have examined the combined effects of internal and external factors to enhance supply chain sustainability. To fill this research gap, this study investigates the multivariate relationship from internal capabilities and external relationships mutually complementary perspective to improve supply chain sustainability. Grounded on dynamic capabilities theory and relational view, we put forward the supply chain dynamic capability construct under the internal perspective, and relationship construct with supply chain members under the external perspective. Based on the configuration theory, 270 data from enterprises were analyzed using fsQCA (fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis), and the results shows that: first, there is no necessary condition for generating high supply chain sustainability, which means that individual factors do not lead to high supply chain sustainability; second, this study identified two paths to achieve high supply chain sustainability: capability‐driven and relationship‐driven, which reflects the multiple paths and complex mechanisms to achieve high supply chain sustainability; third, this study finds the important role of supply chain dynamic reconfiguring capability in forming high supply chain sustainability. These results can provide some theoretical guidance for enterprises to improve supply chain sustainability and achieve high quality economic development.

Agile-as-a-tool and agile-as-a-culture: a comprehensive review of agile approaches adopting contingency and configuration theories

AbstractToday’s world requires new approaches to innovation that leverage continuous testing and pivoting. Speed and the ability to respond to exogenous shocks are becoming increasingly important in both theory and practice. Following the introduction of the Agile Manifesto in 2001, a wide range of industries have adopted agile approaches, which differ from other ways of managing innovation projects by promoting flexibility and the rapid development of new solutions. Despite the proliferation of agile approaches across industries, the literature lacks a systematic understanding of their underlying elements. Therefore, we conduct a systematic literature review using a text mining technique to longitudinally explore the evolutionary dynamics of the field. Analyzing the results through the dichotomous lens of contingency and configuration theories, we show that the agile literature can be systematized into two perspectives: agile-as-a-tool in the contingency perspective, and agile-as-a-culture in the configuration perspective. Our review reveals underexplored intersections in the field of innovation and provides interesting insights into these two perspectives. We also propose a research agenda to shed light on these emerging perspectives in the agile innovation and management literature.

Factors affecting the protection of data rights in sports events: a configurational analysis

The development of algorithms and the spread of digital infrastructure have contributed significantly to the productivity of the digital economy. Data has come to be known as the “oil of the digital economy”. At the same time, data has begun to participate more deeply in the production activities of the global sports industry chain, and the international discussion on how to protect the rights of sports event data has been increasing. Based on the configurational theory and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis, this study discusses the factors affecting the protection of sports event data rights. The study found three configuration paths for achieving high enterprise data protection effectiveness and two for achieving low enterprise data protection effectiveness. The results of this study provide theoretical support for governments to address the issue of sports event data rights. They will also facilitate the safe use of data in sports, promote the global sports industry and humanitarian action development, and contribute to international sustainable development.

The comparison of RBV-based competitiveness of Hungarian family-owned and non-family-owned SMEs

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the differences between Hungarian family-owned businesses (FOBs) and non-family-owned businesses (NFOBs) concerning the elements of SME competitiveness and financial performance.Design/methodology/approachThe research covers the Hungarian data set of the Global Competitiveness Project (GCP, www.sme-gcp.org) of 738 (data collection between 2018 and 2020) non-listed SMEs, of which 328 were FOBs. The study uses the comprehensive, multidimensional competitiveness measurement of the GCP built on the resource-based view (RBV) and the configuration theory. Financial performance was captured with two composite indicators: short-term and long-term financial performance (LTFP). The comparative analysis between FOBs and NFOBs was conducted using binary logistic regression.FindingsThe results show that FOBs are more prone to focusing on local niche markets with higher longevity and LTFP than NFOBs. However, FOBs have lower innovation intensity and less organised administrative procedures. The most contradicting finding is that the FOBs’ higher LTFP is accompanied by significantly lower competitiveness than in the case of NFOBs.Originality/valueThis study goes beyond other GCP studies by including composite financial performance measures among the variables examined. The combination of performance-causing (resources and capabilities) and performance-representing (financial performance) variables provides a better understanding of the non-listed SMEs in terms of family ownership. The results help academia to enrich the RBV-competitiveness, the non-listed SME management and finance literature, and policymakers to design business development and support schemes. They also show future entrepreneurs the impact of family ownership on entrepreneurial success.

Size matters: The market–non-market strategy nexus and firm performance in South Africa

Purpose: This study seeks to discover how a firm’s size and its use of both market and non-market strategies (MS and NMS) impact firm performance in South Africa.Design/methodology/approach: We used the Prolific platform to gather survey data from 247 executives and managers across the country representing a variety of firm sizes and industries. Cronbach’s alpha, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and structural equation modelling via partial least squares (PLS-SEM) were then employed to test constructs and hypotheses. Configuration theory and social exchange theory (SET) are the conceptual foundations for this study.Findings/results: Firm size is a driver of the market strategy of differentiation, but not cost leadership. Larger firms are also more likely to pursue both political and social NMS. Differentiation and social NMS positively impact firm performance, but cost leadership and political NMS do not.Practical implications: Managers should emphasise differentiating their products and services rather than being a low-cost provider. When considering various non-market strategies, they should emphasise social NMS. Although large firms are more likely than small firms to pursue political NMS, they do not appear to accrue any benefit.Originality/value: This study fills gaps in the strategy-performance literature by directly linking firm size to strategic choices and by analysing the effects of different types of MS and NMS on firm performance. As such, it is valuable to both academics and practitioners. This study also advances our understanding of MS and NMS in South Africa.