Exploring through uncertainty

: the effect of digital and collaborative capabilities

Abstract

Throughout the years, digital technologies significantly changed knowledge management for innovation, as well as communication systems for successful collaboration, both of which contribute to the ability of organizations to operate under uncertainty. Accordingly, in this thesis, I empirically investigate the influence of digital and collaborative capabilities of an organization on its resilience. More specifically, I discuss resilience in the light of exploration, focusing on the development of adaptive and innovative capabilities to thrive in crisis by leveraging opportunities toward strategic renewal. I tested my hypotheses using OLS and FLM regression models with data collected on Fortune 500 companies. The dependent variable, exploration vs exploitation orientation, was acquired through textual content analysis based on Uotila et al (2009). I find a positive influence of digital capabilities on both exploration and collaboration extent, which also has a positive effect of collaborative networks on relative exploration. Findings indicate that external knowledge acquisition through partnerships could lead to enhanced innovation processes and both cultural and structural improvements within the organisation, generating both resources (knowledge base, human and financial sources) and capabilities (anticipation, adaptation and preparation) for resilience. Furthermore, I conducted an exploratory analysis to factor in the exposure to risk due to opening up the organisation’s boundaries to partners. In our dynamic and rather unpredictable environment, it is crucial that managers pay increased attention to the development of resilience capabilities and systems, especially in large corporations like those in Fortune 500, that play a pivotal role in society’s resilience.

Date of Award	2 May 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Ekin Ilseven (Supervisor)