Abstract
The aim of this paper is to examine the moderating role of information communication technology (ICT) competencies in enhancing knowledge transfer and mitigating the effects of two key knowledge barriers, namely knowledge stickiness and knowledge ambiguity, thereby increasing the firm's innovation competitive advantage. The study is carried out in the context of the healthcare industry in Taiwan. A total of 160 questionnaires were distributed to hospitals and 112 usable responses were received, representing a response rate of 70 percent. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to analyze the data. The results show that ICT competencies do enhance knowledge transfer inside hospitals. Although knowledge stickiness and knowledge ambiguity have negative effects on knowledge transfer, the negative effects can be moderated by ICT competencies (defined in terms of competencies in computerassisted instruction, interactive videoconferencing, and handheld technology). Among the three ICT competencies, computerassisted instruction and handheld technology have the largest and smallest effects on the relationship between knowledge barriers and knowledge transfer. The results also allow decision makers for forwardlooking allocation of ICT competencies. The study presents a valid model that comprises the antecedents, moderators (three specific types of ICT competencies), and consequences of knowledge transfer for innovation competitive advantage of healthcare organizations.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 461-478 |
Number of pages | 18 |
Journal | Management Decision |
Volume | 51 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Mar 22 2013 |
Keywords
- Health care
- Healthcare organization
- Information communication technology competency
- Innovation
- Innovation competitive advantage
- Knowledge ambiguity
- Knowledge stickiness
- Knowledge transfer
- Taiwan
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Business, Management and Accounting(all)
- Management Science and Operations Research