The influence of senior executive support informatization on radical innovation performance

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to define the conceptualization and measurement of informatization according to a capability perspective reflected in three aspects: IT managerial capability, IT-enabled capability and IT infrastructure capability. Design/methodology/approach Manufacturing enterprises in China's Northeast and Pearl River Delta regions in China were selected to empirically examine, using structural equation modeling, the association between a firm's senior executive support informatization and radical innovation performance. Findings Results show a significant positive relationship between senior executive support and IT-enabled capability. However, there are no significant positive influences uncovered between senior executive support and IT managerial capability and IT infrastructure capability. The authors find significant positive effects of IT managerial capability, IT-enabled capability and IT infrastructure capability on radical innovation performance. Lastly, the joint effect of senior executive support and external institutional environment has no significant influence on informatization. Originality/value This study offers improved understanding for enterprises and academia about the effect of senior executive support informatization on radical innovation performance. It also suggests taking effective measures to highlight the management level and enterprises' radical innovation performance.