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

Abstract

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.

Keywords

• New product performance
• Cross-functional integration
• Barriers to integration
• Spanish firms