An Integrated Framework via the Convergence Phenomenon for the Emergence of Software-as-a-Service

Firms from previously distinct industries are increasingly adopting software-as-a-service (SaaS), allowing for the emergence of new markets at the convergence of these industries. The motivation for this research is to explore what is occurring as a result of the convergence phenomenon. The convergence phenomenon is when a technological evolution occurs where previously separate products or services merge into a single offering and cross-industrial collaboration increases as a result. By reviewing literature on the phenomenon in affected industries, such as the telecommunications, television and computer industries, the main aspects are identified and integrated into one framework to analyze the phenomenon as a whole. The inter-relations of the main aspects are explored through the lens of mobilization of institutional theory. The framework's applicability is then explored against a historical case. Future research suggestions are offered to further corroborate the framework to increase its generalizability for analyzing the convergence phenomenon in other relevant industries.

Organizational Capabilities and Performance of SMEs in Dynamic and Stable Environments

This study examines the correlation between the organizational capabilities and firm performance of SMEs in both dynamic and stable environments in Hong Kong. Organizational capabilities are measured in terms of innovative ability, quality-enhancing capability, cost-reduction capability and ‘organicity’. Organizational capabilities are hypothesized to correlate positively with firm performance and to be moderated by environmental dynamism. A sample of 71 SMEs was drawn from the chemical and computer industries, which represent stable and dynamic industrial environments respectively. The findings suggest that organizational capabilities can significantly explain the level of SME performance and the impacts of environmental dynamism on these relationships.