The effect of enterprise social networks use on exploitative and exploratory innovations Mediating effect of sub-dimensions of intellectual capital

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the links between the enterprise social networks (ESN) use and the exploitative and exploratory innovations and deepen the analysis by examining the mediating role of the sub-dimensions of intellectual capital (IC) in these relationships. Design/methodology/approach The authors use a quantitative method based on the questionnaire administrated to a sample of 248 middle managers working in Tunisian ICT firms. Regarding the data analysis, the authors use a partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method. Findings Results highlight that whereas exploratory innovation is positively linked to human capital (HC) and social capital (SC), exploitative innovation is positively associated with HC. Findings show that the ESN use is linked positively to exploitative innovation and this link is mediated by HC. The data analysis also revealed that HC and SC mediate the link between ESN use and exploratory innovation. Originality/value Although limited studies have investigated the effect of the ESN use on firms, this research pioneers the examination of the effect of the ESN use on exploitative and exploratory innovations within ICT firms and the mediating roles of HC, SC and organizational capital that have never been explored. Findings are highlighted along with interesting insights for managers and outline the key aspects related to the ESN use that may improve the sub-dimensions of IC and boost exploitative and exploratory innovations.