The relationship between the barriers to cross-functional integration and new product performance in Spanish innovative firms

• Main Authors: PILAR FERNÁNDEZ FERRÍN, M. LUISA DEL RÍO ARAÚJO, JOSÉ ANTONIO VARELA GONZÁLEZ, BELÉN BANDE VILELA
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU) 2007-06-01
• Series: Management Letters/Cuadernos de Gestión
• Subjects: New product performance; Cross-functional integration; Barriers to integration; Spanish firms
• Online Access: http://www.ehu.es/cuadernosdegestion/revista/index.php/en/published-issues?y=2007&v=7&n=1&o=1

This study analizes the relationship between cross-functional integration and new product performance in a sample of Spanish innovative firms. Managers’ perceptions in R&D, marketing, manufacturing and other areas show that the lack of management support for integration and the physical distance between areas are significant barriers to cross-functional integration. Besides, managers perceive that cross-functional integration relates to new product programme performance. Our results support most of the proposed hypothesis and are coherent with previous studies. Some implications of this study and directions for future research are also addressed.