Capabilities that enhance outcomes of an episodic supply chain collaboration
研究吸收能力和协作过程能力如何帮助企业阶段性合作成功，发现协作过程能力在吸收能力与协作投入之间起中介作用，并正向影响运营和关系成果。
Abstract Firms are increasingly dependent on the knowledge and expertise in external organizations to innovate, problem‐solve, and improve supply chain performance. This research examines two capabilities that enable firms to collaborate successfully as a means to combine knowledge and expertise in an episodic collaboration initiative. Building from two theoretical foundations, the knowledge‐based and relational views of the firm, we examine the effects of absorptive capacity and collaborative process competence on the outcomes of an episodic collaboration initiative. Using structural equation modeling, we empirically validate the positive effect of absorptive capacity, collaborative process competence and level of engagement on the operational and relational success of a collaboration effort. Results show that collaborative process competence mediates the relationship between absorptive capacity and collaborative engagement, and positively influences both operational and relational outcomes. Finally, we offer suggestions for managers to improve the effectiveness of inter‐firm collaboration initiatives and discuss future research opportunities.