Advancing US small business apparel production: a state-level mixed-method exploration
Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management
ISSN: 1361-2026
Article publication date: 6 April 2021
Issue publication date: 1 March 2022
Abstract
Purpose
This study highlights the impact of attaining and incorporating knowledge and building relationships with other firms in US apparel production.
Design/methodology/approach
Producers of apparel and sewn products operating within a US state form the sample for this mixed methods exploration. Study 1 involves a qualitative analysis of the producers highlighting knowledge in interorganizational discussions. Study 2 quantitatively measures responses from 38 producing firms. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression was used to measure associations, and simple slopes were computed to examine interactions.
Findings
The knowledge exchanged, according to participants in study 1, was limited, thus warranting further examination. Results from study 2 revealed strong associations among knowledge absorptive capacity, social interaction and people-oriented culture with network ties. A two-way interaction effect was found for absorptive capacity and social interaction, indicating association between social interaction and network ties was more positive at higher levels of absorption capacity and vice versa.
Research limitations/implications
Findings provide theoretical and applied support for building network ties. This research operationalizes complicated-to-measure constructs critical to the empirical measurement of junctions from two theoretical frameworks, in the context of a specific industry. Though acceptable for exploratory research, additional work is needed to refine reliability measures and to examine a national sample.
Originality/value
This study links elements of social capital- and knowledge-based views of the firm necessary for reviving US apparel production. Broader outcomes from this research include job creation providing support and growth in the US sewn apparel and goods industry that will drive US economy.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation's Science of Organizations Program under grant number 1660570. The authors also acknowledge Colorado State University's Graybill Statistical Lab directed by Dr. Julia Sharp.
Citation
Miller, N.J., Engel-Enright, C., Hobbs, K. and Brown, D.A. (2022), "Advancing US small business apparel production: a state-level mixed-method exploration", Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, Vol. 26 No. 1, pp. 88-106. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFMM-07-2020-0143
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited