Abstract
Purpose This study aims to provide insights on the importance of reconfiguring new and existing enterprise resources in a heterogeneous manner. This will lead to improved efficiencies, strategies and resource usage as such leading to more synergetic and innovative outcomes. This study highlights the importance of dynamic capabilities (DC) during the process of resources recombination (RR). It suggests that DC can be a source of competitive advantage, but the effect is contingent on the RR capabilities of enterprises. Design/methodology/approach Data were obtained from 349 faculty members of higher education institutions (HEIs) from seven states in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) using SmartPLS was employed as a statistical tool to analyze the structural model. Findings The findings confirm the proposed role of DC in the realization of RR, in integrating and reconfiguring internal and external organizational skills and resources for efficiency and performance, since DC helps RR to reconfigure the resource base by extending, creating, and modifying innovative RRs. Practical implications The study has important implications for resource managers and policymakers of HEIs. By prioritizing DC, firms can develop novel products and services as a result of a heterogenous mix of new RR. Additionally, since firms have limited resources in ever-changing, complex environmental conditions, this study provides explicit directions on how enterprises can strategically manage their resources in an innovative manner to attain a sustainable competitive advantage. Originality/value Insights from the DC and RR perspective in HEI sectors, particularly in the Middle East region, are scarce. This is the first empirical study to delve in this area and exemplify the relationship between these significant constructs.