Value creation flies in the sky: the role of resource access and mobilization

Purpose of the paper: The aim of this paper is to explore the relationship between access to network resources, resource mobilization and value creation in the context of the airline industry. Hence, this work contributes toward the comprehension of the process of value creation by examining whether airline companies have access to network resources and to what extent they exploit these according to a new configuration that is at the base of resource mobilization. Methodology: This study adopts a quantitative approach in order to reach a broader audience in an efficient way. The idea to proceed with a quantitative methodology originates from the aim to capture aspects that previous studies have not considered. To test the hypotheses, we adopt the partial least squares path modeling algorithm using the module R-package. Findings: The findings underline two important aspects. First, there is a correlation between access to network resources, resource mobilization and value creation in terms of firm performance. Second, this paper reveals that, although airline companies tend to cooperate according to different forms, efforts towards value creation in terms of sustainability do not transpire since companies do not operate in that direction. Research limits: The research limits can be ascribed to the number of companies the sample contains. Furthermore, future research on the topic may be enriched through the adoption of a qualitative methodology, such as interviews with managers, that can capture additional dynamics. Practical implications: The results indicate future directions for managers in the airline industry. These should be in the field of value co-creation in relation to sustainability. Originality of the paper: This paper captures the nature of value creation at the network level in terms of both firm performance and sustainability.