The Human Component of Information Technology Infrastructure and its Impact on Dynamic Capabilities

In this paper, we examine the process of dynamic capability development and how the human component of a firm's information technology (IT) infrastructure (i.e., its human IT infrastructure) affects this development process. Using Taiwanese firms as examples, we provide evidence that the process of dynamic capability development was followed by capability possession, capability deployment, and capability upgrading. We also find that (1) technology management knowledge positively affects capability possession, (2) interpersonal and management knowledge is critical to improving a firm's capability deployment, and (3) technical specialties knowledge is essential to facilitating capability upgrading and ensuring a firm's competitive advantage. The interplay between human IT infrastructure and dynamic capability development provides insight into how organizational knowledge may be created, deployed, and updated.