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Integrating the content and process of capability development: Lessons from theoretical and methodological developments

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 May 2017

Alireza J. Kashan  and
Kavoos Mohannak
Alireza J. Kashan
Affiliation:
School of Management, QUT Business School, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
Kavoos Mohannak*
Affiliation:
School of Management, QUT Business School, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
*
Corresponding author: k.mohannak@qut.edu.au
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Abstract

The literature on capability development has focussed on either the content or process of capability development. Such a partial explanation of the capability development phenomenon has created some flaws in the literature. This paper argues that integrating the content and process of capability development is the way ahead in theorising in this field. Analysis of the methodological development in parallel to theory development reveals the critical role of microprocesses in such integration. To develop an integrative view of capability development we propose a conceptualisation of capability development processes through internal and external strategic fit and emphasise the role of knowledge and innovation processes. We also argue that a critical realism approach is of high relevance to researching such an integrative view.

Keywords

capabilities and capability developmentdynamic capability viewambidexteritystrategic knowledge capabilities
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Management & Organization , Volume 25 , Issue 5 , September 2019 , pp. 748 - 763
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press and Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management 2017 

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