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Mind over matter: How CEO attentional vigilance sparks radical innovation

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  • Zheng, Bowen
  • Wang, Shuyang
  • Huo, Xiaotong
  • Wu, Xiaoyu

Abstract

Radical innovation is essential for firms to remain competitive in dynamic markets. Although the attention-based view (ABV) examines how CEO attention affects firms’ strategic outcomes, the impact of CEO attentional vigilance on firms’ radical innovation is less explored. This study examines the relationship between CEO attention allocation patterns and firms’ radical innovation. Using data from Chinese A-share listed companies, we propose that CEO attention quantity (EA) negatively affects firms’ radical innovation, while CEO attention stability (VA) positively promotes it. We develop a theoretical framework examining how performance shortfalls and organizational slack moderate these relationships. Our findings reveal that both moderators weaken the negative effect of EA and strengthen the positive impact of VA, suggesting that organizational contexts significantly transform how different attention dimensions influence radical innovation. This study provides valuable insights for firms to balance short-term performance pressures with long-term innovation goals, advancing the understanding regarding the ABV.

Suggested Citation

  • Zheng, Bowen & Wang, Shuyang & Huo, Xiaotong & Wu, Xiaoyu, 2026. "Mind over matter: How CEO attentional vigilance sparks radical innovation," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 206(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:206:y:2026:i:c:s0148296326000147
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2026.115980
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