The Impact of Knowledge Management and Dynamic Capacity on the Ambidextrous Innovation of Korean MNCs in the Chinese Market

TLDR: In this article, the authors investigated the relationship between knowledge management and ambidextrous innovation in Chinese subsidiaries of Korean MNCs and found that knowledge transfer and knowledge sharing have positive effects on dynamic capabilities and ambidesxterity innovation.

Abstract: Purpose – With the increasing uncertainty of China's domestic political and economic environment in recent years, Korean MNC subsidiaries in the Chinese market face greater challenges and competition. Based on the insufficiency of existing research and the need for enterprise management practices, this paper uses the Chinese subsidiaries of Korean MNCs as an example to study and explore how knowledge management and dynamic capabilities affect ambidextrous innovation and the relationship between ambidextrous innovation and subsidiary performance. Design/methodology – From January to March 2019, this study collected 341 valid questionnaires using a survey company specializing in China for the members of the Chinese subsidiaries of Korean MNCs to verify the hypotheses. Using the collected data, the study model was verified using the Smart PLS 3.0 statistical package. Findings – Knowledge transfer and knowledge sharing have positive effects on dynamic capabilities and ambidextrous innovation, and dynamic capabilities have a positive impact on ambidextrous innovation. Ambidextrous innovation has been shown to have a significant effect on subsidiary performance. In addition, a partial mediating effect of dynamic capabilities on the relationship between knowledge management and ambidexterity innovation was found. Originality/value – In the academic context, this paper contributes theoretically to the relationship between knowledge management and ambidextrous innovation, as well as the mechanism of dynamic capability, and to verify the relationship between ambidextrous innovation and corporate performance. Against the background of MNC management, the results of this study provide further enlightenment for managers of subsidiaries.