Big data analysis adaptation and enterprises’ competitive advantages: the perspective of dynamic capability and resource-based theories

Abstract

Big data analysis (BDA) adaptation has been spreading unprecedentedly fast among Chinese enterprises to gain a competitive advantage. Based on the resource-based theory (RBT) and dynamic capability theory (DCT), this study aims to propose a conceptual model to identify the sources of competitive advantages, interrelationship of their components, and the mechanism of obtaining competitive advantage. The results reveal several important findings. 1) Different dimensions of dynamic capabilities all have effects on competitive advantage, but they have different paths to influence these. 2) Two dimensions of dynamic capabilities have direct effects on the competitive advantages, and strategy flexibility has indirect effects on these. 3) Three dimensions of resources all indirectly and positively influence competitive advantages by affecting dynamic capabilities. 4) The path of resources and dynamic capabilities affecting competitive advantage are identified. The findings have important implications for managers that leverage BDA to achieve comparative advantages in business.