The impact of dual alliance on firm green innovation: a moderated mediation effect model

Abstract

Purpose To clarify divergent conclusions on the impact of alliances on green innovation (GI), this study aims to examine the non-linear relationships between dual alliance and GI, as well as the mediation of green knowledge reconstruction (GKR) and the moderation of alliance tie strength. Design/methodology/approach Based on the theory of knowledge-based view, a moderated intermediary model is constructed by introducing GKR and alliance tie strength. The hypotheses are validated by using hierarchical regression analysis and bootstrapping method, with questionnaire survey data collected from 316 manufacturing firms in China. Findings Empirical results show that both exploratory alliance and exploitative alliance have an inverted U-shaped effect on GI, in which GKR plays a mediating role in the above relationship. Moreover, alliance tie strength weakens the intermediary role of GKR in the relationship between exploratory alliance and GI, whereas it enhances the intermediary role of GKR in the relationship between exploitative alliance and GI. Originality/value Findings reveal the non-linear effects of dual alliance on GI and clarify the inconsistent conclusions by proposing the moderated intermediary effect model. Moreover, this research reveals the mechanism of dual alliance on GI through the mediation of GKR and enriches the boundary conditions by integrating the moderating role of alliance tie strength.