Technological learning and capability-building : how do african telecommunications firms learn?
Date
2003
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Southern African Journal of Information and Communication (SAJIC), The Edge Institute / Research ICT Africa, Braamfontein, ZA
Abstract
This paper presents the results of a larger study that focusses on technological learning in
developing country firms, using empirical data from 26 telecommunication firms in Uganda, Ghana,
Tanzania and South Africa. The paper adds to knowledge by providing a cross-disciplinary study
of how African firms undertake technological learning and capability-building. The conceptual
framework used in the paper, the TCB [technological capability-building] system approach, suggests that the underdevelopment
of the strategic and systematic management of technological learning capability development
is a major constraint for developing country firms and cannot be explained by country-level
factors only. It therefore suggests that a simultaneous focus on internal factors that contribute to
effectiveness, and on boundary conditions, is necessary. This paper focuses on the internal, intrafirm
dimension and provides insights on how features such as ability to manage cultural change,
leadership and organisational integration influence and explain variation in the ability of telecom
firms to build capabilities. These insights have implications for firm strategy and policy and offer
avenues for future research.
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Keywords
TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANIES, TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE, ADAPTATION TO CHANGE, ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE, GHANA, SOUTH AFRICA, TANZANIA, UGANDA