The sources of dynamism in dynamic capabilities

SALVATO, CARLO; VASSOLO, ROBERTO

Strategic Management Journal

Wiley

Año: 2018 vol. 39 p. 1728 - 1752

We develop a multi-level theory of dynamic capabilities (DCs) that explains resource dynam- ics by giving a central role to persons and interpersonal interactions rather than to abstract, firm-level entities. Our theory integrates the contrasting approaches to DCs in individual-, interpersonal-, and organization-level scholar- ship. Existing organization-level approaches portray DCs as collective endeavors but do not specify how they emerge and operate within organizations, while micro- foundational approaches illuminate actors? contributions but reduce a firm?s DCs to the cognitions and actions of a few top managers. Our integrated theory instead explains DCs as effortful social accomplishments emerg- ing from individual employees? capacity to leverage inter- personal relationships conducive to productive dialogue. The framework we propose offers new ground for under- standing how DCs can be sources of sustainable competi- tive advantage.