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Stakeholder Relationship Capability and Firm Innovation: A Contingent Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Wei Jiang

    (Xiamen University)

  • Aric Xu Wang

    (The University of Hong Kong)

  • Kevin Zheng Zhou

    (The University of Hong Kong)

  • Chuang Zhang

    (Dongbei University of Finance and Economics)

Abstract

Despite the growing importance of stakeholder management, few studies have empirically examined the influence of stakeholder relationship capability (SRC) on firm innovation, especially in emerging economies. This study investigates how SRC relates to firm innovation in the presence of governmental intervention and in combination with firm-level characteristics. Using a survey and multiple secondary datasets on the listed Chinese firms, our findings indicate that SRC is positively associated with firm innovation. Moreover, advanced legal development and high-tech status strengthen the positive link between SRC and innovation, whereas state ownership and firm age weaken this relationship. These findings provide novel insights into how firms use stakeholder management to enhance innovation that is beneficial for economic growth.

Suggested Citation

  • Wei Jiang & Aric Xu Wang & Kevin Zheng Zhou & Chuang Zhang, 2020. "Stakeholder Relationship Capability and Firm Innovation: A Contingent Analysis," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 167(1), pages 111-125, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:167:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1007_s10551-019-04161-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-019-04161-4
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    4. Rubio-Andrés, Mercedes & Ramos-González, Mª del Mar & Sastre-Castillo, Miguel Ángel & Gutiérrez-Broncano, Santiago, 2023. "Stakeholder pressure and innovation capacity of SMEs in the COVID-19 pandemic: Mediating and multigroup analysis," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 190(C).
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    8. Jin, Chenglin & Liu, Along & Liu, Hefu & Gu, Jibao & Shao, Meng, 2022. "How business model design drives innovation performance: The roles of product innovation capabilities and technological turbulence," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 178(C).
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