This study examines the relationship between firm absorptive capacity and organizational responsiveness in the context of growth-oriented small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By testing the different dimensions of absorptive capacity, external knowledge acquisition and intrafirm knowledge dissemination were found to be positively related to organizational responsiveness. In addition, the relationships between absorptive capacity and organizational responsiveness were moderated by environmental dynamism and the SMEs' strategic orientation. Results demonstrate that the responsiveness of growth-oriented SMEs is expected to increase if (1) they have well-developed capabilities in external knowledge acquisition and intrafirm knowledge dissemination; (2) they have a well-developed external knowledge acquisition capability and adopt a more proactive strategy, such as being a prospector; (3) they face a turbulent environment and have a well developed internal knowledge dissemination capability. Implications and future research directions are provided.

This study seeks to examine the relationship between innovation and knowledge in family versus non-family businesses with regard to performance. Data from 430 small and medium-sized enterprises were analyzed through hierarchical regression analysis, and innovation was found to be a significant factor in both family and non-family samples. However, knowledge in family firms was also found to be significant with innovation. Implications for theory and practice are discussed that may provide possible competitive advantage for small family firms.

This study compared the effects of a photograph versus two artistic renditions of a beach scene contained in a direct-response print ad for a fictional Caribbean resort island. The two impressionistic artistic renditions included a watercolour painting based on the photograph and an electronically altered version of the photograph. Results indicate that the artistic renderings of the scene were superior to the photograph in drawing attention. The photograph was found to be better for evoking greater quantity, more vivid and more affectively positive mental imagery. The photograph was also superior in generating more favourable attitudes towards the ad and the resort and stronger behavioural intent, but not better recall of the resort name. Theoretical explanations and managerial implications are offered for this pattern of results.

This research focuses on understanding how business organizations are likely to adopt mobile commerce (m-commerce) technology. Mobile commerce adoption represents a complex process that draws in variables external to the firm such as the environment in which the business operates and the government involvement, as well as variables internal to the company such as its business strategy and its organizational culture. A model is formulated and several research propositions are of-Michael Stoica, PhD, is Professor of Management,

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