Purpose This study aims to investigate the pivotal role of executive attention allocation in enhancing team knowledge integration capability, a vital dimension of human capital that drives organizational excellence. Grounded in the attention-based view (ABV) and conservation of resources (COR) theory, this research examines how focused and strategic allocation of executive attention serves as a catalyst for developing knowledge integration within teams. It further explores the direct and mediated effects of this allocation through strategic flexibility and employees’ career roles. The findings aim to shed light on how organizations can boost their responsiveness and overall performance in dynamic and fast-changing business environments by leveraging this often-overlooked but essential resource. Design/methodology/approach A combination of exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, regression and mediation analysis was used to test the hypothesized relationships using a valid sample of 528 responses. Validated measurement scales were used to ensure the reliability and validity of the constructs, and the application of rigorous analytical procedures strengthens the methodological robustness of the study. Findings The findings reveal that executive attention allocation exerts a significant positive influence on strategic flexibility, employees’ career roles and team knowledge integration capability. Strategic flexibility, in turn, positively affects both employees’ career roles and team knowledge integration. Additionally, employees’ career roles significantly contribute to enhancing team knowledge integration. Empirical evidence further supports the mediating roles of strategic flexibility and employee career roles in the relationship between executive attention allocation and team knowledge integration capability, highlighting the multi-level mechanisms through which executive attention allocation enhances organizational knowledge processes. Research limitations/implications By conceptualizing executive attention and team knowledge integration capability as critical managerial competencies and strategic resources, this study offers a comprehensive framework that bridges the domains of strategy formulation, communication and implementation. It addresses a notable theoretical gap in existing literature concerning the procedural influence of top management attention on organizational processes and outcomes. Practical implications This study underscores the practical importance of executive attention and team knowledge integration as core competencies in strategic execution. By demonstrating the mediating role of strategic flexibility and employee career role, the findings suggest that managers should align attention allocation with organizational resources and capabilities to optimize decision-making. Recognizing strategic flexibility and employee career role as a bridge between top-level attention and team-level knowledge processes offers actionable guidance for enhancing adaptability, communication and implementation throughout the strategy life cycle within dynamic business environments. Originality/value This study integrates the ABV and COR theory to examine how executive attention influences team knowledge integration capability, a key human capital asset for organizational excellence. It explores the mediating roles of strategic flexibility and employee career roles, bridging individual and organizational perspectives. By revealing internal signal transmission mechanisms, the study advances understanding of how attention cascades across levels. Practically, it guides managers in leveraging attention as a strategic resource. Socially, it emphasizes employee empowerment and cultural dynamics, contributing to the literature on knowledge management, strategic execution and organizational performance in dynamic environments.
Hong et al. (Fri,) studied this question.