Effects of Relational Capabilities and Power Asymmetry on Innovativeness and Flexibility of Sub-Sahara Africa Small Exporting Firms
研究撒哈拉以南非洲小型出口商的关系能力与权力运用如何影响其创新性、灵活性和绩效，发现长期合作反而抑制创新与灵活性，而信任和承诺则提升创新性但降低灵活性。
The objective of this study is to examine the effects of relational capabilities and exercise of power on innovativeness, flexibility, and performance of Sub-Sahara Africa small exporters. Data from a sample of 206 small fresh produce suppliers in Zimbabwe that had long-term relationships with retail buyers in export markets were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Findings suggest that long-term cooperation between small suppliers and buyers negatively influenced innovativeness and flexibility. However, trust and commitment, as well as dependence, positively impacted innovativeness of small suppliers but had negative effects on flexibility. Further, innovativeness negatively influenced firm performance, whereas a positive link emerged between flexibility and performance.