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Strategic agility, dynamic relational capability and trust among SMEs in transitional economies

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  • Nyamrunda, Frank Charles
  • Freeman, Susan

Abstract

Rapid growth and urbanizing populations are transforming Africa, despite environmental turbulence, uncertainty and relational complexity. Research highlights how small firms rely upon trust-based buyer-supplier relationships in such contexts. Our study adopts a micro-foundational perspective and builds on dynamic capabilities literature and psychological trust theory. Our conceptual model shows how relational dimensions (i.e. communication, social bonds, and knowledge), influenced by meta-capabilities (strategic sensitivity, resource fluidity and leadership unity) embedded in micro-foundational activities build trust in small business cross-border buyer-seller relationships to support dynamic relational capability and enhance strategic agility in transitional economies.

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  • Nyamrunda, Frank Charles & Freeman, Susan, 2021. "Strategic agility, dynamic relational capability and trust among SMEs in transitional economies," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 56(3).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:worbus:v:56:y:2021:i:3:s1090951620301036
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jwb.2020.101175
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