Inbound open innovation in construction firms: intellectual capital antecedents and performance consequences

Purpose The present study explored the interrelationships between intellectual capital (IC) dimensions, inbound open innovation (IOI) and construction firm performance. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative approach was chosen for this study. Data were collected from 130 construction firms in Ghana using survey questionnaires. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was employed to test the hypotheses of the study. Findings The results indicate that while human capital and structural capital both have direct effects on IOI, relational capital does not. IOI positively influences firm performance (FP) linearly but shows a curvilinear (inverted U-shaped) relationship with FP at higher levels of IOI. IOI has a partial mediating effect in the relationships between human or structural capital and FP but does not show any mediation between relational capital and FP. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first to explore the influence of inbound open innovation on the performance of project-based firms, such as construction, as well as the role of inbound open innovation as a mediator between firms’ intellectual capital and performance in the general management and the construction management literature.