Abstract
This PhD thesis aims to explore the applicability of the Resource-Based View (RBV) and Dynamic Capabilities View (DCV) in public organisations. Until now, this theoretical approach has been mainly developed and applied to private for-profit organizations, operating primarily in turbulent market environments (i.e. high-tech industries) (Zahra et al., 2006; Easterby-Smith et al., 2009). It focuses on the study of firm’s internal environment, and specifically investigates the organisational resources and capabilities that affect its innovation performance, profitability and growth, and attainment of sustainable competitive advantage. The application and adaptation of this theoretical view to the public sector context could have high usefulness. Firstly, this type of organizations are characterized too (as private firms) by technological, human and organisational resources, and business routines (Klein et al., 2011). Furthermore, they face - at a lower or higher degree - reorganisation and ...
This PhD thesis aims to explore the applicability of the Resource-Based View (RBV) and Dynamic Capabilities View (DCV) in public organisations. Until now, this theoretical approach has been mainly developed and applied to private for-profit organizations, operating primarily in turbulent market environments (i.e. high-tech industries) (Zahra et al., 2006; Easterby-Smith et al., 2009). It focuses on the study of firm’s internal environment, and specifically investigates the organisational resources and capabilities that affect its innovation performance, profitability and growth, and attainment of sustainable competitive advantage. The application and adaptation of this theoretical view to the public sector context could have high usefulness. Firstly, this type of organizations are characterized too (as private firms) by technological, human and organisational resources, and business routines (Klein et al., 2011). Furthermore, they face - at a lower or higher degree - reorganisation and transformation challenges (Pablo et al., 2007). Recently, the context of public sector has raised interest among RBV and DCV researchers, and a number of (mainly empirical) relative studies have been conducted (π.χ. Ridder et al., 2007; Carmeli and Tishler, 2004; Piening, 2011; Piening, 2013; Salge and Vera, 2013; Maijanen and Jantunen, 2016).The thesis attempts to develop a conceptual framework to investigate those organisational resources and dynamic and operational capabilities that contribute to the functional-productive utilisation of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) by local authorities. This was guided by the fact that a) ICTs constitute a General Purpose Technology, hence their use may have a critical impact on the productiveness and performance of organisations, and b) the local government can play a significant role in the quality of life of citizens and the effective operation of businesses.For the thesis’s research hypotheses testing, a survey was carried out - using a structured questionnaire - in the Greek municipalities after the second wave of local government consolidation in 2010 (Programme “Kallikratis”). The survey was conducted by the research team INFOSTRAG (www.infostrag.gr) of the Laboratory of Industrial and Energy Economics (LIEE - http://liee.ntua.gr/) of the National Technical University of Athens, in the context of a collaborative project with the Central Union of Greek Municipalities (KEDE). The response rate was very high, as 80% of the Greek municipalities have responded (260 in a total of 325). The selection of this population for research hypotheses testing, has useful implications. Firstly, it facilitates the generalization of results in municipal organizations of other developed countries or at least of countries exhibiting a similar level of economic development with Greece. This is because Greek municipalities have secured a relatively adequate level of ICT infrastructure, partly due to the significant financial support from co-funded European projects Secondly, this thesis offers the possibility of making specific policy proposals to Greek municipalities, both at the municipal leadership level, and at the level of policy makers (ministries, KEDE etc.).The Partial Least Squares – Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method was selected to empirically test the conceptual model using the “SmartPLS” software. This type of statistical analysis has several advantages over other multifactor analysis methods (multiple regression, logistic regression, cluster analysis etc.), the most important of which is that it enables a single comprehensive analysis of a model by computing simultaneously different but interdependent multiple linear regression equations. In particular, the use of SEM is highly recommended in cases of complex models that include mediator variables (as in the specific PhD thesis), i.e. constructs that constitute dependent variables at one or more causal relationships and independent variables at other causal relationships.The thesis concludes in the following position: The existence of ICT infrastructure in a local authority is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for the significant improvement of its productiveness and effectiveness. The creation of ICT-based value requires: a) the development of specific operational capabilities, i.e. organisational capabilities that relate to ICTs functional utilization (functions digitization, information and processes integration, online information and consultation), and b) the development of appropriate dynamic capabilities, namely processes regarding the design and implementation of ICT projects, the enhancement of employees’ digital skills and organisational learning, and the investigation of the specific needs of citizens and local businesses for service delivery as well as the precise needs of municipality’s departments for ICT solutions. These dynamic capabilities can enhance the aforementioned operational capabilities and generally improve ICTs functional utilisation. A capable team incorporating not only adequate technological knowledge but also appropriate management skills, can have a crucial role in the development of these types of capabilities. Moreover, the development of organisational (primarily dynamic) capabilities is favoured by a positive organisational culture regarding ICTs, and also by the inflow and exploitation of external knowledge, through cooperations with other municipalities, universities and research institutes.The aforementioned conclusions generally apply to all types of municipalities, while some differentiations also exist. A remarkable difference is that large municipalities tend to develop dynamic and operational capabilities at a higher level compared to smaller ones, mainly as a result of employing more qualified personnel both in terms of technical and management skills.Finally, we argue that the thesis’ conceptual model can be applied - after appropriate elaboration– to other levels of public administration and the private sector as well. Moreover, the basic rationale of this model could be considered in future theoretical and empirical research efforts aiming to apply the organisational resources and capabilities approach to the public sector, in general, i.e. beyond focusing on ICTs exploitation.
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