Social Cognitive Theory as the Microfoundations of Dynamic Capabilities

Abstract

The aim of this study is to address the following question: “How does Social Cognitive Theory contribute to the microfoundations of dynamic capabilities?” Benefiting from the concepts of Social Cognitive Theory, namely, symbolizing capability, forethought capability, vicarious learning capability, self-regulatory capability and self-reflective capability, the study suggested a conceptual model for the microfoundations of dynamic capabilities. Thus, it was put forward that the managers and employees with self-capabilities had effect on the collective organizational capabilities of the firm. Moreover, it was deduced that the individual capabilities which Social Cognitive Theory set forth in relation to human nature would suggest explanations on the building (learning), coordination (integration) and reconfiguration (transformation) phenomena of dynamic capabilities.