Cognitive Dynamics of Capability Development Paths
Journal
Journal of management studies : JMS
ISSN
0022-2380
ISSN-Digital
1467-6486
Type
journal article
Date Issued
2009-09
Author(s)
Abstract
Recent research on capability dynamics has increasingly turned its attention to the cognitive microfoundations of capability development. On the basis of a longitudinal case study of the evolution of three network security software firms, we find that the effects of managerial cognition can be detected at three distinct levels of capability development. At the level of operational capabilities, instrumental cognition affects the way in which capabilities are developed. At the level of a firm's capability portfolio, shifts in management's attention regarding capability development cause different evolutionary paths to emerge. Finally, at the extended enterprise level, managerial foresight influences the way in which a firm's capability constellation morphs over time. Our findings provide novel empirical evidence and contribute to an improved understanding of the role of managerial cognition in capability development.
Language
English
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
Yes
Publisher
Blackwell
Publisher place
Oxford
Volume
46
Number
6
Start page
950
End page
981
Pages
32
Subject(s)
Division(s)
Eprints ID
219933