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Beyond Cost: The Role of Intellectual Capital in Offshoring and Innovation in Young Firms

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  • Martina Musteen
  • Mujtaba Ahsan

Abstract

Using the intellectual capital perspective as a theoretical framework, we develop a conceptual model of offshoring of knowledge–intensive, complex work by young, entrepreneurial firms. We posit that the unique qualities of human, social, and organizational capital of such firms drive them to offshore complex, nonroutine activities to foreign vendors. In addition, we argue that offshoring of such activities can lead to innovation under certain intellectual capital configurations.

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  • Martina Musteen & Mujtaba Ahsan, 2013. "Beyond Cost: The Role of Intellectual Capital in Offshoring and Innovation in Young Firms," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 37(2), pages 421-434, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:entthe:v:37:y:2013:i:2:p:421-434
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-6520.2011.00477.x
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    3. Adomako, Samuel & Ahsan, Mujtaba, 2022. "Entrepreneurial passion and SMEs’ performance: Moderating effects of financial resource availability and resource flexibility," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 144(C), pages 122-135.
    4. Guckenbiehl, Peter & Corral de Zubielqui, Graciela & Lindsay, Noel, 2021. "Knowledge and innovation in start-up ventures: A systematic literature review and research agenda," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 172(C).
    5. Musteen, Martina, 2016. "Behavioral factors in offshoring decisions: A qualitative analysis," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 69(9), pages 3439-3446.
    6. Ahmed Musa Khan & Mohd Yasir Arafat & Mohd Anas Raushan & Imran Saleem & Nawab Ali Khan & Mohd Mohsin Khan, 2019. "Does intellectual capital affect the venture creation decision in India?," Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 8(1), pages 1-15, December.
    7. Xin Long Xu & Hsing Hung Chen & Rong Rong Zhang, 2020. "The Impact of Intellectual Capital Efficiency on Corporate Sustainable Growth-Evidence from Smart Agriculture in China," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 10(6), pages 1-15, June.
    8. Adomako, Samuel & Amankwah-Amoah, Joseph & Donbesuur, Francis & Ahsan, Mujtaba & Danso, Albert & Uddin, Moshfique, 2022. "Strategic agility of SMEs in emerging economies: Antecedents, consequences and boundary conditions," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(6).
    9. Ahmed Musa Khan & Mohd Yasir Arafat & Mohd Anas Raushan & Mohd Saeem Khan & Amit Kumar Dwivedi & Mohd Mohsin Khan & Imran Saleem, 2019. "Role of intellectual capital in augmenting the start-up intentions of Indians—an analysis using GEM data," Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research, Springer;UNESCO Chair in Entrepreneurship, vol. 9(1), pages 1-14, December.
    10. J. Robert Mitchell & Ronald K. Mitchell & Richard A. Hunt & David M. Townsend & Jae H. Lee, 2022. "Stakeholder Engagement, Knowledge Problems and Ethical Challenges," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 175(1), pages 75-94, January.
    11. Diego Matricano, 2017. "The influence of sustainable entrepreneurship culture on start-up expectations: A comparative analysis," RIVISTA DI STUDI SULLA SOSTENIBILITA', FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 0(1), pages 71-89.
    12. Martina Musteen & Mujtaba Ahsan & Taekyung Park, 2017. "SMEs, Intellectual Capital, and Offshoring of Service Activities: An Empirical Investigation," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 57(4), pages 603-630, August.

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