Affective foundations of capability development: An exploration in an SME context

Kars-Unluoglu, Selen; Kevill, Alex

Abstract

The behavioural and cognitive foundations underpinning the evolution of organisations through capability development has gained traction in recent years. However, the affective foundations of capability development have not been adequately addressed. This is an important gap; if affective conditions impact on decisions and actions of key organisational actors, this suggests an influence on capability development processes in organisations with implications for organisational performance. This paper therefore explores ‘whether and in what ways, core affect of key strategists acts as an enabler and / or barrier of capability development?’ Our in-depth study, based in five small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), shows that affective states, including affective ambivalence, of top managers can have multi-faceted effects on organisational capability development depending on the type of positive and negative affectivity experienced. This adds to extant understanding of idiosyncratic foundations of capability development and extends conversations regarding the internal dynamics behind organisational development and growth.

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: 33rd EGOS Colloquium
• Start Date: Jul 6, 2017
• End Date: Jul 8, 2017
• Acceptance Date: Feb 15, 2017
• Deposit Date: May 13, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: May 13, 2019
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: affect, affective ambivalence, emotions, organisational capabilities, capability development, dynamic capabilities, qualitative research
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/886024
• Additional Information: Title of Conference or Conference Proceedings : 33rd EGOS Colloquium
• Contract Date: May 13, 2019