Contract-Based Knowledge Protection and Cooperation Performance

Abstract

Contract-based knowledge protection and cooperation performance: The effects of technological turbulence and legal system completeness ABSTRACT This study examines the direct effects of technological turbulence and legal system completeness on firm's contract-based knowledge protection and their moderating effects on the relationship between contract-based knowledge protection and cooperation performance. The model is tested using survey data collected from 227 manufacturing firms in China. It finds that technological turbulence and legal system completeness both have a significant and positive effect on contract-based knowledge protection. In addition, technological turbulence weakens the positive relationship between contract-based knowledge protection and cooperation performance, while legal system completeness strengthens the same relationship. The findings enrich our knowledge on how task and institutional environments are related to performance outcomes through shaping firm's behaviors and provides insight into firm's knowledge protection measures in cooperation.