Interpersonal factors influencing meso-level dynamic capabilities in grant-funded research institutions

Abstract

The dynamic capabilities framework has been the subject of much research and debate. Closely interwoven with this framework are the dynamic managerial capabilities: managerial human capital, managerial social capital and managerial cognition. The aim of the study is to investigate the interpersonal factors influencing dynamic capabilities on a meso-level. Additional aspects considered are interpersonal factors influencing employee participation in sensing, seizing and transformation activities; interactions between colleagues and the effect of leadership.

The research is focused on the grant-funded research industry in South Africa. Grant funding is essential to sustainable innovation and plays a significant role in various industries such as the medical research industry. An inductive qualitative research methodology was followed and 15 interviews were conducted with participants employed in the grant-funded research industry following a semi-structured interview guide.

Various factors were identified as having a significant influence on the research questions including diversity, organisational and team culture, leadership, individual skills and interactions between colleagues. The research was concluded by making recommendations to management and suggesting avenues for future research.