Relação entre as alianças estratégicas, o capital intelectual e o desempenho: um estudo aplicado às PME de base tecnológica

Research output: Types of ThesisDoctoral Thesis

Abstract

With globalization, competitiveness among firms has increased, with the survival of many of them being called into question, as in isolation they are not able to face up to the demands of markets in constant turbulence. The model of a firm competing in isolation has lost interest in recent years. In the last two decades, there has been movement towards a perspective whereby firms consider that by allying with others they can more easily face the uncertainty and complexity of a constantly changing environment. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the influence of strategic alliances on the performance of technology-based SMEs and determine whether intellectual capital has a mediating role in that relationship. To fulfil this objective, a quantitative study was adopted, data being collected through questionnaires directed to the management organ of industrial, technology-based SMEs, with 257 valid responses being obtained. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics and structural equation models. The results obtained show that strategic alliances exercise a strong influence on performance and intellectual capital in the SMEs studied, and also that intellectual capital has a strong influence on performance in this firm sector. In addition, the results reveal that intellectual capital serves as a mediator in the relationship between strategic alliances and performance. Therefore, it can effectively be concluded that there is a close connection between strategic alliances, intellectual capital and performance in industrial, technology-based SMEs. As contributions of this theoretical study we note, first of all, the connection between the three constructs that are the study object. Secondly it should be noted the importance of intellectual capital, in a way that its development enhances the effect of strategic alliances in performance, with this being a major contribution for the study of the theory. Regarding the implications of the study for business practice, it should be pointed out that strategic alliances and intellectual capital are important elements for industrial, technology-based SMEs, as they are able to potentiate performance in this type of firm. It is therefore suggested that managers of these companies should consider these elements as important management tools to increase their competitiveness.
Original languagePortuguese
Awarding Institution
  • University of Beira Interior
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Franco, Mário José Baptista, Supervisor, External person
Award date7 Oct 2016
Publication statusPublished - 7 Oct 2016
Externally publishedYes

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