Knowledge Integration As A Driver Of Growth: The Case Of Indian IT Firms

Abstract

This paper argues that knowledge integration processes are critical in explaining firm performance and growth. We propose a framework in which efficiency, scope and flexibility of knowledge integration is promoted by a firm’s learning, market and improvement orientations. Using a qualitative case study methodology, we compare two high-growth firms with two moderate/low growth firms in the Indian IT industry. We found that the high growth firms were high on learning, market and improvement orientations, whereas the medium and low growth firms did not score high on these orientations. Our findings also highlight specific aspects of these orientations that contributed to efficiency, scope and flexibility of knowledge integration. Our findings have both practical and theoretical implications.