Exploring the Relationship Between Team External Social Capital and Team Learning Ability: An Empirical Investigation of Enterprise R&D Teams

Abstract

This empirical study investigates the relationship between team external social capital and team learning ability within the context of enterprise research and development (R&D) teams. Drawing upon social capital theory and organizational learning literature, we examine how the external social networks of R&D teams, including ties with external stakeholders, industry partners, and knowledge networks, influence their capacity for collective learning and knowledge acquisition. Through survey data collected from a diverse sample of R&D teams in various industries, we employ quantitative analysis techniques to assess the strength and nature of the relationship between team external social capital and team learning ability. Additionally, we explore potential moderating factors, such as team composition, organizational culture, and technological complexity, that may shape this relationship. Our findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms through which external social capital facilitates knowledge exchange, innovation diffusion, and collaborative learning within R&D teams. Furthermore, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of how enterprises can leverage their external social networks to enhance the learning capabilities and innovative performance of their R&D teams, thereby driving organizational competitiveness and sustained growth in dynamic and competitive environments.