Managerial Attention and Firm Resource Action Strate-gy:An Exploratory Case Study Based on the Process of Sustained High Growth of Hidden Champions
In the context of China's high-quality economic develop-ment,hidden champion enterprises have emerged as vital contributors to industrial competitiveness and economic development.These firms,defined by their specialization in niche markets and technical expertise,address critical challenges such as the production of high-end compo-nents and advanced materials.By resolving the"bottleneck"issues,hidden champions not only stabilize supply chains but also enhance industrial value chains,driving innovation and supporting sustainable growth.This study investigates the mechanisms behind the sustained high growth of hidden champions,with Henan Weihua Heavy Machin-ery Co.,Ltd.as the case subject.Adopting the perspective of managerial attention,the research uncovers the dynamic processes through which these firms overcome growth bottlenecks and achieve competitive ad-vantage,culminating in a theoretical framework that links micro-level attention with macro-level strategies.The research identifies a three-stage framework containing"context scanning,attention interpretation,and resource action"as the founda-tion for sustained high growth.Managers of hidden champions begin by extensively scanning internal and external environments to identify bottlenecks that constrain growth.These bottlenecks are categorized into three types:business bottlenecks(e.g.,limited market opportuni-ties or product constraints),professional bottlenecks(e.g.,skill gaps or technological limitations),and model or mode bottlenecks(e.g.,rigid organizational structures or outdated business models).Managers inter-pret and prioritize these issues,developing three attention configuration tendencies:opportunity expansion,professional threat mitigation,and complex combinations.These configurations guide the implementation of resource action strategies tailored to address bottlenecks and align with long-term organizational goals.A key finding of this study is the role of attention interpretation as a mediating mechanism that links context scanning to resource actions.Attention interpretation ensures that environmental stimuli are translat-ed into actionable strategies through cognitive processes that prioritize key issues.This mechanism not only aligns managerial attention with organizational objectives but also ensures adaptability to dynamic con-ditions.The attention interpretation process enables hidden champions to maintain coherence between situational awareness and resource allo-cation,driving effective organizational actions.The study also emphasizes the importance of resource action strategies in sustaining growth.Depending on the type of bottleneck and atten-tion configuration,hidden champions implement one of three resource strategies:resource bricolage,resource leveraging,and resource col-laboration.In the early stages,firms often employ resource bricolage,creatively utilizing available resources to seize emerging opportunities.As firms professionalize,resource leveraging becomes critical,focusing on optimizing internal capabilities to strengthen core competencies.In later stages,resource collaboration takes precedence,as firms integrate external partnerships to address complex challenges and sustain growth.This progression demonstrates how managerial attention drives resource allocation to strategically adapt to different growth phases.By linking micro-level managerial attention to macro-level organi-zational outcomes,this research bridges significant gaps in existing literature.The findings illustrate how managerial attention serves as a dynamic driver of sustained growth,emphasizing its role not only as a cognitive process but also as a strategic tool that prioritizes actions and shapes resource allocation.The study further expands the typology of growth bottlenecks,categorizing them into business,professional,and model dimensions.This framework provides a structured approach to analyzing constraints and designing strategies for overcoming them.By highlighting the"how"and"why"behind sustained growth,this research moves beyond traditional studies that focus solely on the"what"and"to what extent"of firm growth.From a theoretical perspective,this study contributes to attention-based theory by integrating it with resource-based views and firm growth frameworks.It establishes a nuanced understanding of how hidden champions achieve and sustain high growth by aligning attention con-figurations with resource actions.The typology of bottlenecks and cor-responding resource strategies enriches the existing literature on firm growth,offering insights into the dynamic processes that enable firms to adapt and thrive in competitive environments.The findings also have practical implications for managers of hidden champions and other"Specialized,Advanced,Differentiated,and In-novative"(SADI)Small and Medium-sized Enterprises(SMEs).By adopting the proposed framework,managers can systematically identify growth bottlenecks,prioritize focal issues,and implement resource actions that align with organizational goals.The study emphasizes the importance of cultivating managerial attention capabilities to navigate complex challenges and leverage opportunities effectively.Managers are encouraged to establish mechanisms for scanning their operating en-vironments,interpreting contextual signals,and aligning their cognitive resources with strategic objectives.From a policy perspective,the research highlights the need for targeted support to foster the development of hidden champions.Policymakers should prioritize initiatives that enhance managerial attention and de-cision-making capabilities,such as training programs and workshops.Additionally,policies promoting R&D investment,talent development,and international market expansion can further strengthen the com-petitiveness of hidden champions and support their long-term growth.These efforts are particularly relevant given the recognition of hidden champions and SADI enterprises by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology,which underscores their strategic importance in stabilizing supply chains and enhancing industrial value chains.The broader implications of this research extend to industries and econ-omies navigating global volatility marked by protectionism,supply chain disruptions,and technological advancements.Hidden champions serve as role models for resilience and adaptability,offering valuable lessons for other firms facing similar challenges.By addressing growth bottlenecks through attention-based strategies,these firms demonstrate how strategic focus and resourcefulness can drive sustained growth in dynamic markets.The framework developed in this research offers a roadmap for supporting high-growth enterprises and ensuring their con-tinued success in competitive environments.In conclusion,this study provides a comprehensive analysis of the mech-anisms driving the sustained high growth of hidden champion enterpris-es.By integrating attention-based theory with empirical insights from Henan Weihua Heavy Machinery Co.,Ltd.,the research establishes a robust framework for addressing growth bottlenecks and maintaining competitive advantages.The findings contribute to both theory and practice,offering valuable guidance for managers,policymakers,and researchers in fostering high-quality development among SADI SMEs.
Growth BottlenecksAttention ConfigurationRe-source ActionsHigh GrowthHidden Champions
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