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Ownership Concentration and Product Innovation in Chinese Firms: The Mediating Role of Learning Orientation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 February 2015

Yuan Li ,
Hai Guo ,
Yaqun Yi  and
Yi Liu
Yuan Li
Affiliation:
Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
Hai Guo
Affiliation:
Renmin University of China, China
Yaqun Yi
Affiliation:
Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
Yi Liu
Affiliation:
Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
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Abstract

Drawing on institutional theory, this study empirically examines the relationship between a firm's levels of ownership concentration and product innovation and the mediating effect of learning orientation, using a sample of 351 Chinese firms. Does ownership concentration hinder or promote firm innovation? Perspectives on this relationship are divergent. This study examines the link between ownership concentration and product innovation and further examines whether and how ownership influences firm innovation through organizational learning. The results suggest that ownership concentration has an inverse U-shaped relationship to product innovation and to learning orientation. In addition, learning orientation mediates the curvilinear relationship between ownership concentration and product innovation. We discuss the study's contributions, managerial implications and directions for future research.

Keywords

innovationinstitutional theorylearning orientationownership concentration创新、制度理论、学习导向、股权集中度
Type
Articles
Information
Management and Organization Review , Volume 6 , Issue 1 , March 2010 , pp. 77 - 100
Copyright
Copyright © International Association for Chinese Management Research 2010

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