Resource Orchestration Theory Research Articles

Enhancing the resilience of regional digital innovation ecosystems: a pathway analysis from the lens of resource orchestration theory

Enhancing the resilience of regional digital innovation ecosystems: a pathway analysis from the lens of resource orchestration theory

Digital transformation and sustainable performance: the mediating role of triple-A supply chain capabilities

Purpose Drawing on resource orchestration theory, this paper aims to empirically investigate the relationships between digital transformation (DT), triple-A supply chain capabilities (i.e. agility, adaptability and alignment) and sustainable performance. The research focuses on the pharmaceutical industry, which best represents a business environment characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected at different echelons of a globally oriented pharmaceutical supply chain, with the focal company located in the Netherlands. Empirical data were analyzed with partial least squares – structural equation modelling. Findings The findings reveal that DT enhances the triple-A supply chain capabilities. Nevertheless, not all three capabilities are necessary to improve overall sustainable performance. The results highlight that, among the three, only supply chain agility and adaptability significantly mediate the relationship between DT and sustainable performance. Originality/value This research supports the literature affirming that not all the triple-A supply chain capabilities equally affect sustainable performance. Moreover, it deepens the understanding of how orchestrating the triple-A capabilities at a firm level fosters overall sustainable performance, facing resource scarcity and investments in DT.

How does the technology environment impact supply chain strategy and operational performance?

PurposeThis paper investigates the relationship between technological uncertainty and the use of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies, and its impact on the implementation of agile and lean supply chain strategies. It also examines the effect of both of these supply chain strategies on focal firm operational performance in terms of efficiency in manufacturing processes and delivery performance.Design/methodology/approachSurvey data were gathered from 256 focal manufacturing companies in Spain using a structured questionnaire. Covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) is used to test the conceptual model.FindingsUnderpinned by the Contingency Theory and the Resource Orchestration Theory, the results indicate that technology uncertainty has a strong association with I4.0 technology use. Furthermore, the use of I4.0 technologies facilitates the implementation of the lean supply chain strategy and the agile supply chain strategy. Focal firm operational performance was also observed to be affected by the two strategies in different ways.Originality/valueThis study extends the literature on operations management by studying the fit between the external environment and strategy by incorporating an in-between element: the use of I4.0 technologies. This research provides a unique empirical analysis of the role of technology uncertainty and integration between I4.0 technologies and supply chain strategies.

SMEs internationalization! Market intelligence and entrepreneurial orientation influence on international performance: a moderation model

PurposeDrawing on resource-orchestration theory (ROT), this study investigates the influence of market intelligence and entrepreneurial orientation (EO) on international performance of born global (BG) small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets with the mediating role of global technological competence. Quality focus is used as a moderator between global technological competence and international performance.Design/methodology/approachData were gathered through a survey, and PLS-SEM was employed for hypotheses testing with a sample of 256 BG SMEs.FindingsThe results showed that market intelligence, EO, global technological competence and quality focus positively relate to international performance. Moreover, market intelligence and EO are positively associated with global technological competence. Besides, global technological competence significantly mediates the relationship between market intelligence, EO and international performance. Finally, quality focus strengthens the positive relationship between global technological competence and international performance.Practical implicationsOur research demonstrates that if management utilizes or invests on market intelligence, EO, global technological competence and quality focus, then the BG SMEs will increase their international performance.Originality/valueThe paper contribution lies in its focus on exogenous constructs (i.e. market intelligence, EO, global technological competence and quality focus) to determine the international performance of born global SMEs in emerging markets.

Modelling circular economy capabilities and sustainable manufacturing practices for environmental performance: Assessing linear (PLS-SEM) and non-linear (fsQCA) effects

With the rising need to protect and preserve the environment coupled with pressure from stakeholders, businesses are looking for ways to minimise the harmful effects of their operations on the environment by enhancing their circular economy capabilities and implementing sustainable manufacturing practices. Most prior research has investigated how circular economy and sustainable manufacturing enhance environmental performance, but scant research has explored the configurational effects of circular economy capabilities and sustainable manufacturing practices on environmental performance. This study employs a multi-method approach on a sample of 285 manufacturing firms, to examine the effects of circular economy capabilities and sustainable manufacturing practices on environmental performance from the theoretical lenses of resource orchestration theory. First, the study uses PLS-SEM to determine the symmetric effects of circular economy capabilities and sustainable manufacturing practices on environmental performance. Second, the study adopts fsQCA to unravel the best permutation of circular economy capabilities, sustainable manufacturing practices, or (3) a combination of both circular economy capabilities and sustainable manufacturing practices to enhance or diminish environmental performance. We found that Sensing capabilities, Seizing capabilities, and Reconfiguring capabilities, as well as Sustainable product design, Sustainable manufacturing process, Sustainable Supply chain management, and Sustainable end-of-life management, have substantial effects on environmental performance. The finding further highlights that the configurations of circular economy capabilities and sustainable manufacturing practices rather than individual capabilities or practices strongly affect environmental performance. The findings support the value of circular economy capabilities and sustainable manufacturing practices for the manufacturing sector.

Digital technology, green innovation, and the carbon performance of manufacturing enterprises

With the continuous promotion of digitalization and the global trend toward a low-carbon economy, the issue of whether enterprises can enhance their carbon performance with the assistance of digital technology has aroused widespread attention from both academia and industry. In order to explore whether digital technology can improve the carbon performance of manufacturing enterprises, this study, based on resource orchestration theory and signaling theory, utilizes data from China’s A-share manufacturing enterprises from 2012 to 2021 to empirically investigate the relationship between digital technology and the carbon performance of manufacturing firms. It also explores the mediating conduction path and boundary influencing factors between them. Its findings demonstrate that: digital technology is capable of improving carbon performance; green innovation (including green technology and green collaboration) has partially mediating effects; there is a catalytic role for environmental information disclosure in utilizing digital technology to enhance carbon performance. Building on this, we find that the impacts of digital technology, green innovation, and environmental information disclosure on carbon performance vary due to differences in the nature of industries and the strategic aggressiveness of enterprises. Specifically, the role of digital technology on carbon performance seems somewhat more pronounced among firms in the high-tech industry and those employing defensive and analytical strategies. Additionally, the effects generated by green innovation and environmental information are more pronounced in the high-tech industry and among enterprises that adopt analytical strategies. This study reveals the inherent mechanism of digital technology in enhancing the carbon performance of manufacturing enterprises, which provides empirical evidence for the development of digital technology and the improvement of carbon performance in manufacturing enterprises, thus helping promote low-carbon economic transformation.

How can digital technology deployment empower supply chain financing? A resource orchestration perspective

PurposeDigital technologies (DTs) are one of the most important and beneficial ways to enhance the effectiveness of supply chain finance activities. Based on resource orchestration theory, the purpose of this study is to apply the “resources-capability-performance” framework to investigate how DT deployment (in terms of both breadth and depth) impacts supply chain financing performance (SCFP).Design/methodology/approachHierarchical regression analysis was applied in the theoretical modeling examination. Through the sample of 380 survey questionnaires from the Chinese manufacturing industry, this study empirically validated the proposed model.FindingsResults of this study present that both the breadth and depth of DT deployment positively impact SCFP, whereas supply chain transparency (SCT) acts as a mediator between them. Moreover, financing alignment positively moderates the relationship between the breadth of DT deployment and SCT.Originality/valueFrom an integrated perspective, this study highlights the dual deployment ways of DTs to improve SCFP. Moreover, this research further enriches and extends the application of resource orchestration theory by providing theoretical mechanisms for the mediating role of SCT and elucidating the moderating role of financing alignment.

The impact of CEO's green experience on digital transformation

According to resource orchestration theory, key human capital can allocate resources to the critical paths of projects to maximize resource utilization efficiency. This study examines how the green experience acts as an important organization capital and affects a company's digital and green transformation processes. Based on the organization capital theory, we study the performance of China's A-share listed companies from 2013 to 2021. A CEO's green experience inhibits a company's digital transformation while promoting its green transformation. Based on organizational theory, our conclusion is consistent with signal and information asymmetry theories. Executives with green experience have a better understanding of ways to improve the credibility of the public's green environmental practices. This agency cost often has a negative impact on the financial performance of enterprises, which is not conducive to their digital transformation. Companies should carefully recruit executives with green experiences, based on future digital or sustainable development strategies, to maximize the organization capital.

The evolution of digitalization capabilities during strategic renewal: A case study based on the ecological restoration enterprise practice

While existing literature acknowledges the development of digital capabilities as essential for enterprises to achieve digital transformation, it falls short in offering comprehensive theoretical insights into the dynamic evolution of these capabilities, especially in the field of environmental and sustainability issues. This paper addresses this gap by employing an exploratory single-case study methodology to investigate the intricate process through which an ecological restoration enterprise in China updates its digital strategy, facilitating the dynamic evolution of its digital capabilities from a resource orchestration theory perspective. Our findings reveal a sequential evolution from digital strategy renewal to resource orchestration and, ultimately, the advancement of digital capabilities. Specifically, the enterprise engages in a co-adjustment and co-creation process, aligning its resources with a digital strategy refresh and fostering the emergence of digital integration and innovation capabilities through effective resource management. This includes the accumulation and divesting of resources as part of the construction process, alongside the enrichment and bundling of resources. This research bridges the gap in the current literature by providing a nuanced understanding of the mechanisms that drive the evolution of digital capabilities, and it offers a theoretical framework that integrates strategic renewal with resource orchestration for environmental and socio-economic sustainable development. Furthermore, the insights gained provide vital managerial implications for the governance, corporate social responsibility and policy of industrial digitalization towards global environmental practice and sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Network embeddedness and manufacturing SMEs’ green innovation performance: the moderating role of resource orchestration capability

PurposeWith technological innovation elements and the competitive market environment becoming increasingly complex, numerous firms utilize network embeddedness to achieve and sustain innovation. However, empirical research has not conclusively established which form of network embeddedness more effectively facilitates corporate innovation. Drawing on the heterogeneous network resources perspective, this study explores the impact of market network embeddedness, technology network embeddedness and their synergy on the green innovation performance of manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Furthermore, it investigates the moderating role of resource orchestration capability in these relationships.Design/methodology/approachThrough an online questionnaire survey of Chinese manufacturing SMEs, 293 sample data were collected, and the hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to test the hypothesis.FindingsThe results indicate that market and technology network embeddedness significantly enhance green innovation performance, with the former exerting a more significant impact. Furthermore, the synergy between market and technology network embeddedness positively influences green innovation performance. Additionally, resource orchestration capability strengthens the positive effects of both market and technology network embeddedness on green innovation performance, while the moderating effect of resource orchestration capability on the relationship between the synergy of the two and green innovation performance was insignificant.Research limitations/implicationsThe study faced many limitations, such as collecting primary data, which relied on a questionnaire only, using cross-sectional data and examining only manufacturing SMEs.Originality/valueBased on the heterogeneous network resources perspective and integrating social network theory and resource orchestration theory, this study explores the impact of network embeddedness on the green innovation performance of manufacturing SMEs, which sheds new light on the network embeddedness research framework and also enriches the antecedents of green innovation. In addition, this study provides implications on how manufacturing SMEs effectively utilize network embeddedness and resource orchestration capability to enhance green innovation performance.

Stakeholder pressure and circular supply chain practices: Moderating roles of environmental information exchange capability and circular innovation orientation

AbstractThis study deploys institutional theory and Resource orchestration theory (ROT) to examine the roles supply chain stakeholder pressure, circular innovation orientation (CIO) and environmental information exchange capability (EIEC) play in adopting Circular supply chain (CSC) practices. This study uses a partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS‐SEM) to analyse survey data gathered from 290 managers of manufacturing Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana. This study finds that pressure from supply chain stakeholders substantially drives manufacturing SMEs' CSC practices. This study confirms that EIEC negatively moderates the relationship between supply chain stakeholder pressure and CSC practices. Finally, this study confirms the complementarity between CIO and EIEC through moderating effects between supply chain stakeholder pressure and CSC practices. This study advances circular supply chain management (CSCM) literature by testing a research framework that examines important but rarely studied roles of CIO and EIEC in SMEs' CSC practices adoption under supply chain stakeholder pressure through institutional and resource orchestration perspectives.

What role does information capacity play in the tourism livelihood of farm households in ethnic villages?

Abstract Tourism livelihood has become an essential livelihood decision for people to get rid of poverty. Under the background of the internet era, it is of great significance to study how ethnic village farm households can participate in tourism livelihood with the help of information capacity. Applying the Resource Orchestration Theory and taking Guolan Yao Village in Jiangyong County of Hunan Province as an example, this paper uses binary logistic regression model and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis method to explore the mechanism of farm households’ information capacity affecting their tourism livelihood. The findings are as follows: Firstly, in addition to financial capital, other livelihood capital and information capacity have a significant impact on farm households’ participation in tourism livelihood. Secondly, when financial capital is lacking, farm households in ethnic villages with information capacity can unite with human capital, social capital, natural capital or physical capital to make up for the non-existent defect of financial capital and help realize tourism livelihood. Thirdly, when human capital is lacking, farm households in ethnic villages with information capacity can make up for the absence of human capital by combining natural capital, financial capital and social capital to help realize tourism livelihood.

Artificial intelligence implementation in manufacturing SMEs: A resource orchestration approach

Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a leading role in the digital transformation of enterprises, particularly in the manufacturing industry where it has been responsible for a profound transformation in key business and production operations. Despite the accelerated growth of AI technologies, knowledge of the implementation of AI by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) remains underexplored. Thus, this study seeks to examine how manufacturing SMEs orchestrate resources for AI implementation. Building on the resource orchestration (RO) theory and recent work on AI implementation, we investigate multiple case studies involving manufacturing SMEs in Sweden operating in the packaging, plastic, and metal sectors. Our findings indicate that SMEs structure a portfolio based on acquiring and accumulating AI resources. AI resources are bundled into learning and governance capabilities to leverage configurations for AI implementation. Through a dynamic process of AI resource orchestration, SMEs effectively leverage AI resources and capabilities by mobilising technologies, coordinating manufacturing processes, and empowering skilled people. This research contributes to existing practice and the academic literature on AI implementation, highlighting how SMEs orchestrate AI resources and capabilities to drive an organisation’s digital transformation whilst creating a competitive advantage.

Intellectual capital and competitiveness improvement among micro-small-medium enterprises: a resource orchestration view

PurposeThe study aims to test the framework that proposes the role of resources (intellectual capital) in mobilizing entrepreneurial orientation that influences the competitiveness improvement of micro-small-medium enterprises (MSMEs) under the lens of resource orchestration theory.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, 347 respondents from the MSMEs participated through a structured questionnaire. For the data analysis purpose, the structural equation modeling technique was employed using SmartPLS software.FindingsThe results suggest human, structural, and relational capital are significant antecedents of entrepreneurial orientation, which leads to competitiveness improvement. The findings also indicate the mediation role of entrepreneurial orientation between intellectual capital and competitiveness improvement.Practical implicationsThe current study presumably will supplement the promising research effort to progress the research orchestration theory and also could be a strategic guideline for the managers/owners of the MSMEs.Originality/valueThis study is possibly a novel attempt to divulge the association between intellectual capital (tripartite model) and competitiveness improvement of firms under the lens of resource orchestration theory.

Building maritime organisational competitiveness through resource, innovation, and resilience: A resource orchestration approach

Shipping operations are increasingly challenged by disruptive events, highlighting the importance of building organisational resilience and competitiveness. To understand the deployment of key socio-technical resources to enhance competitive advantage, this study uses the resource orchestration theory to explore the effects of technological and organisational learning resources on innovation, resilience and competitiveness. The resources identified in this study include digitalisation, technology & partnership, innovation-focused human resource management, digital leadership, and organisational learning. An empirical investigation is conducted in the maritime industry. One hundred and eighty-six maritime professionals participated in an online survey. Structural equation modelling is performed to analyse the collected data. The analysis results reveal that digital and learning resources have positive influences on innovation capability. Specifically, technology collaboration & partnership have the largest impact on innovation capability, followed by digital leadership, innovation-focused human resource management, organisational learning, and digitalisation. Moreover, innovation capability both directly and indirectly positively influences completeness via organisational resilience. This study contributes theoretically by positioning the importance of structuring and bundling technological and organisation learning resources to build innovation capabilities and leveraging resources to enhance resilience and competitiveness. Moreover, this study offers managerial recommendations on how resources can be prioritised to build resilience and develop competitive advantages.

Research on the impact of digital technology applications on firms' dual innovation in the digital economy context

In recent years, applications of digital technology have gradually become the primary driving force for enterprise innovation. Although the impact of digital technology applications on enterprise innovation has been recognized by the academic community, existing studies have failed to systematically reveal the mechanism of digital technology applications on firms' dual innovation, overlooking the data-driven dynamic characteristics of innovation development in the digital era, and neglecting external conditions such as environmental complexity. Therefore, based on dynamic capability theory and resource orchestration theory, this study adopts a “technology-economy” research paradigm to explore and analyze the impact of digital technology applications on dual innovation. It also analyzes the mediating role of data-driven dynamic capabilities and the moderating effect of environmental complexity. The article conducts an empirical test using microdata of Chinese Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share listed firms from 2010 to 2021.The research results show that digital technology applications positively promote dual innovation of enterprises and exhibit certain heterogeneity. Data-driven dynamic capabilities play a mediating role in the relationship between digital technology applications and dual innovation. The study also tests the moderating effect of environmental complexity and finds that the higher environmental complexity in which the company operates, the stronger the facilitating effect of digital technology applications.

Environmental scanning, resource orchestration, and disruptive innovation

Environmental scanning is an important way for firms to realize disruptive innovation. However, how environmental scanning impacts disruptive innovation is still unclear. Based on resource orchestration theory and foresight theory, this study divides environmental scanning into prospective scanning and responsive scanning according to scanning time, explores the relationship between two types of environmental scanning and disruptive innovation, and tests the mediating role of resource orchestration and the moderating role of environmental dynamism. The results based on 284 intelligent manufacturing firms show that there are inverted U‐shaped effects not only between prospective scanning and new‐market disruption but also between responsive scanning and low‐end market disruption. Resource orchestration plays a mediating role in the inverted U‐shaped relationships between prospective scanning and new‐market disruption, responsive scanning, and low‐end market disruption. Moreover, environmental dynamism moderates and steepens the inverted U‐shaped relationship between prospective scanning, responsive scanning, and resource orchestration, and the mediating effect of resource orchestration is also moderated by environmental dynamism. The results reveal that environmental scanning can help firms achieve disruptive innovation to a certain extent, and firms must be alert to the “overload trap.”

Nexus among green intellectual capital, green information systems, green management initiatives and sustainable performance: a mediated-moderated perspective

PurposeSustainability issues are crucial in today’s competitive environment. The integration of technology plays a vital role in the attainment of sustainability objectives. The study aims to investigate the relationship between green intellectual capital (IC), green information systems (IS), green management initiatives (GMI) and green technology adoption in light of natural resource-orchestration theory (ROT). Moreover, digital technology adoption mediates between green IC, green IS, GMI and sustainable performance. Finally, digital transformation strategy is used as a moderator between green technology adoption and sustainable performance.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 484 managers from automobile manufacturing companies was used in this study to evaluate the proposed relationships using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) methodology.FindingsFindings reveal that green IC, green IS and GMI significantly influence green technology adoption. Besides, green technology adoption plays a crucial role in improving sustainable performance. Moreover, green technology adoption significantly mediates between green IC, green IS, GMI and sustainable performance. Finally, a digital transformation strategy significantly strengthens the relationship between green technology adoption and sustainable performance.Practical implicationsThe organizations need green technology adoption to address environmental concerns, respond to consumer demand, achieve cost savings and comply with government regulations. Besides, in decision-making, organizations must focus on green IC, green IS, GMI, green technology adoption and digital transformation strategy to boost sustainable performance.Originality/valueThe originality of this study lies in its use of the natural ROT as a framework to examine the impact of multiple green resources on green technology adoption, leading to sustainable performance. Digital transformation strategy is used as a moderator between green technology adoption and sustainable performance. This study provides a comprehensive and integrated perspective on the subject with empirical evidence and relevant insights, contributing to the advancement of the field.

Green entrepreneurial orientation and technological green innovation: does resources orchestration capability matter?

PurposeAlthough green entrepreneurial orientation (GEO) has received much attention, it is unclear whether it affects technological green innovation (GI). Therefore, this study aims to understand how GEO affects technological GI, with its dimensions green product innovation (GPRODI) and green process innovation (GPROCI), as well as to explore whether resource orchestration capability (ROC) moderates the relationships between them.Design/methodology/approachBased on a cross-sectional survey design, data were gathered from 177 managers of large manufacturing firms in Yemen and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling via SmartPLS software.FindingsThe results revealed that GEO positively affects both GPRODI and GPROCI, with a higher effect on GPROCI. Importantly, ROC does, in fact, positively moderate the link between GEO and GPRODI.Research limitations/implicationsThis research adds to knowledge by combining GEO, ROC and technological GI into a unified framework, considering the perspectives of the resource-based view and the resource orchestration theory. However, the study’s use of cross-sectional survey data makes it impossible to infer causes. This is because GEO, ROC and technological GI all have effects on time that this empirical framework cannot account for.Practical implicationsThe findings from this research provide valuable insights for executives and decision makers of large manufacturing companies, who are expected to show increasing interest in adopting ROC into their organisations. This suggests that environmentally-conscious entrepreneurial firms can enhance their GI efforts by embracing ROC.Social implicationsBy adopting the proposed framework, firms can carry out their activities in ways that do not harm environmental and societal well-being, as simply achieving high economic performance is no longer sufficient.Originality/valueTheoretically, the results offer an in-depth understanding of the role of GEO in the technological GI domain by indicating that GEO can promote GPRODI and GPROCI. In addition, the results shed new light on the boundaries of GEO from the perspective of resource orchestration theory. Furthermore, the findings present important insights for managers aiming to enhance their comprehension of leveraging GEO and ROC to foster technological GI.

The lean link: exploring industry 4.0's influence on sustainable operational performance for services

PurposeThis empirical study explores the intricate relationships between Industry 4.0 (I4), Lean practices and sustainable operational performance (SOP) within the dynamic context of the services sector. Rooted in the theoretical framework of Resource Orchestration Theory (ROT), the research investigates the nuanced interplay between these paradigms and their collective impact on firm performance.Design/methodology/approachThe research methods included creation of a structural model, hypothesis formulation and advanced data analysis. Primary data were gathered through an online questionnaire distributed among service sector professionals. Analysis was completed using Partial Least Squares (PLS) Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using the Smart-PLS software.FindingsThe results underscore the mediating role of Lean practices between I4 and SOP, emphasizing the imperative of harmonized integration to enhance overall firm performance. In alignment with ROT principles, the study illuminates the positive influence of Lean practices on sustainable operational outcomes.Research limitations/implicationsThe study contributes to the scholarly discourse on I4, Lean and Services, emphasizing the strategic necessity of integrating I4 capabilities with Lean practices. Practical insights guide practitioners in orchestrating a balanced adoption of I4 and Lean practices for SOP. This research offers actionable insights for industry leaders seeking to cultivate SOP within their organizational contexts.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the evolving understanding of the interplay between I4, Lean practices and SOP within the services sector, offering novel insights for both academia and industry practitioners.