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A Study on the Impact of Boundary-Spanning Search on the Sustainable Development Performance of Technology Start-Ups

Author

Listed:
  • Di Wang

    (Business School, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255049, China)

  • Jianfeng Song

    (Business School, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255049, China)

  • Xiumei Sun

    (Business School, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255049, China)

  • Xueyang Wang

    (Business School, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255049, China)

Abstract

Boundary-spanning search and ambidextrous learning are the key means for organizations to absorb and internalize external heterogeneous knowledge and play an important role in the sustainable development of enterprises. From the perspective of organizational learning and value co-creation, this paper constructs a theoretical model of the impact of boundary-spanning search on sustainable development performance and conducts multiple regression analysis and a bootstrap test based on the sample data of Chinese start-up technology enterprises. The results show that the following: (1) boundary-spanning search contributes to the sustainable development performance of technology start-ups; (2) the role of ambidextrous learning as a partial mediator between boundary-spanning search and the sustainable development performance of technology start-ups; (3) value co-creation positively regulates the relationship between boundary-spanning search and exploratory learning, while the regulation effect between boundary-spanning search and exploitative learning is not significant; (4) value co-creation strengthens the intermediary role of exploratory learning between boundary-spanning search and the sustainable development performance of start-up technology enterprises. The findings help reveal the mechanisms by which boundary-spanning search affects the sustainable development performance of technology start-ups and their boundary conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Di Wang & Jianfeng Song & Xiumei Sun & Xueyang Wang, 2022. "A Study on the Impact of Boundary-Spanning Search on the Sustainable Development Performance of Technology Start-Ups," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-17, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:15:p:9182-:d:872766
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