JOURNAL OF STRATEGIC INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY


How Does Privatization Affect Innovation?
An Integrative Model 


Author(s): Chuanyin Xie

Citation: Chuanyin Xie, (2012) "How Does Privatization Affect Innovation? An Integrative Model," Journal of Strategic Innovation and Sustainability, Vol. 8, Iss. 2, p. 80 - 93

Article Type: Research paper

Publisher: North American Business Press

Abstract:

Privatization leads to private ownership. From an economic perspective, private ownership can motivate
owner-managers to pursue innovation which is important for post-privatization performance. However,
empirical studies do not always support the positive relationship between privatization and innovation.
Therefore, the role of privatization in innovation may be more complex than economic theories suggest.
This study attempts to untangle some controversies regarding innovation in privatized firms by
integrating both economic and cognitive perspectives. Innovation needs risk taking behavior, but private
ownership is likely to make owner-managers risk averse. A main reason is that it leads owner-managers
to bear risk. I argue that innovation in privatized firms may depend on the relative strength of economic
motivation and risk bearing, two opposing forces generated by private ownership.