Capacidade absortiva e desempenho organizacional: um estudo em MPMEs em alianças estratégicas

Abstract

This study seeks to analyze the relationship between absorptive capacity (AC) and the performance of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) which have strategic alliances. A quantitative study was conducted through a survey-type questionnaire applied to 116 SMEs in the Brazilian pharmaceutical retail sector. The data obtained were analyzed by SmartPLS® v. 4.0.8.6 software, using a structural model. The results showed that AC and the success of strategic alliances have a positive impact on the performance of SMEs. This evidence is relevant, in the globalized and competitive context in which SMEs are inserted, because both AC and the success of strategic alliances may be essential for this business sector to achieve sustainable competitive advantage. The empirical evidence revealed that the success of strategic alliances has a mediating effect on the relationship between AC and organizational performance. The study brings other findings regarding the influence of the size and age of SMEs by showing that both the size and age of SMEs did not influence the relationships proposed in the structural model of the research. Finally, the study provides information that may contribute to literature by expanding the findings on the importance of strategic alliances in the relationship between AC and performance of SMEs.