The dual-edged sword effect of reciprocal information exchanges within partnerships on performance: The mediating role of creativity

This study investigates the impact of reciprocal information exchanges within partnerships on organizational performance, with a focus on the mediating role of organizational creativity. We conducted a quantitative investigation using a survey of 401 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Brazil, and analyzed the data using multivariate regression analysis. Our primary contribution to the strategy field lies in the adoption of a knowledge-based view (KBV) to demonstrate how reciprocal information exchanges within partnerships can stimulate organizational creativity and positively impact performance, particularly in resource-scarce environments. A key managerial insight from our study is that reciprocal information exchanges serve as a dual-edged sword, enhancing both organizational creativity and performance. This is particularly relevant for firms in competitive ecosystems where the bidirectional flow of information can be critical to gaining competitive advantage.