Purpose While clan culture has consistently been recognized as a critical factor shaping corporate behaviors, its specific impact on green innovation within strategic alliances remains underexplored. To bridge this research gap, this study introduces the concept of alliance green innovation (AGI). This study aims to elucidate how and when clan culture facilitates AGI. This study specifically proposes that inter-partner joint dependence serves as a crucial mediating mechanism and identify inter-partner control and digital inclusive finance as significant boundary conditions that influence the mediation effect. Design/methodology/approach The empirical analysis in the study utilized a representative sample comprising survey responses integrated with archival data from 208 alliance firms. The data collection process was executed in two primary phases. First, this study conducted a survey of alliance firms to collect data on inter-partner joint dependence, inter-partner control, AGI and control variables. Following the survey, this study systematically gathered archival data pertaining to clan culture and digital inclusive finance, ensuring alignment with the sampled enterprises. To test the hypotheses, multiple regression analysis was adopted. Findings This study uncovers that clan culture exerts a positive influence on AGI, and this effect is mediated by inter-partner joint dependence. Interestingly, the results reveal that the indirect link between clan culture and AGI through inter-partner joint dependence becomes more pronounced when the levels of inter-partner control and digital inclusive finance are low. Originality/value This study conducts a thorough analysis of the impact of clan culture on AGI, thereby substantially advancing the nuanced understanding of the underlying dynamics that drive AGI. Moreover, it elucidates the mechanisms and conditions under which clan culture enhances AGI. This research also makes a substantial contribution to the existing body of literature by broadening our understanding of how cultural dimensions influence corporate behaviors, particularly in the realms of sustainability and strategic collaboration.
Yuan et al. (Wed,) studied this question.