Blind spots of dynamic capabilities: A systems theoretic perspective

Artikel

Dynamic capabilities remain one of the most popular, but also one of the most controversial topics in current knowledge and innovation research. This study exposes strengths and weaknesses of existing conceptualizations of dynamic capabilities by using a systems theoretic lens. Systems theory suggests that organizations operate in environments they cannot fully understand. Thus, organizational action patterns inevitably involve simplification, selectivity and uncertainty leading to inherent blind spots in every kind of strategic action. As the resulting insight, fully flexible organizational capabilities might not be achievable and continuous adaptation to every kind of environmental change cannot be possible from a systems theoretic perspective. Accordingly, this work discusses empirical difficulties that derive from the preceding argumentation and outlines a corresponding re-conceptualization of the dynamic capabilities concept.

Object Details

• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Journal: Journal of Innovation & Knowledge (JIK) ; ISSN: 2444-569X ; Volume: 1 ; Year: 2016 ; Issue: 2 ; Pages: 109-116 ; Amsterdam: Elsevier

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Management ; Sociology of Economics ; Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty ; Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives ; Social Innovation ; Business Administration: General
• Subject: Dynamic capability ; Systems theory ; Complexity

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Burisch, Robert ; Wohlgemuth, Veit
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (who): Elsevier
• (where): Amsterdam
• (when): 2016

Further information

• DOI: doi:10.1016/j.jik.2016.01.015
• Handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/190698
• Last update: 10.03.2025, 11:44 AM CET