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Operational improvement in the digital era: Interplay between social capital and digital technology capabilities

Author

Listed:
  • Li, Lixu
  • Liu, Yaoqi
  • Jin, Yong
  • Jiang, Nan
  • Cheng, T.C.Edwin

Abstract

This study draws on the social capital perspective to help firms address the capability dilemma in digital progress and explores the combined effects of social capital and digital technology (DT) capabilities on operational performance. Based on survey data from 307 Chinese firms, a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) is used to ascertain the interdependence and complexity of various conditions related to operational performance. This study finds that configurations yielding high operational performance require the co-existence of social capital and DT capabilities. Moreover, firms can flexibly select and configure the sub-dimensions of social capital and DT capabilities to achieve high operational performance, rather than relying on a single “best practice.” The study enriches extant digital research and practices by highlighting the multiple interplays between social capital and DT capabilities.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Lixu & Liu, Yaoqi & Jin, Yong & Jiang, Nan & Cheng, T.C.Edwin, 2026. "Operational improvement in the digital era: Interplay between social capital and digital technology capabilities," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 206(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:206:y:2026:i:c:s014829632600007x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2026.115973
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