Absorptive capacity: a process perspective

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2008

Authors

Mark Easterby-Smith (Author) Other; Manuel Graça (Author) FEP; Elena Antonacopoulou (Author) Other; Jason Ferdinand (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Management Learning

Vol. 39 No. 5

Pages: 483-501

ISSN: 1350-5076

Publisher: SAGE

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 133 Citations

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 153 Citations

EBSCO

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-003-V97

DOI: 10.1177/1350507608096037

Abstract (EN): Absorptive capacity is regarded as an important factor in both corporate innovation and general competitive advantage. The concept was initially developed largely from reviews of the literature and has subsequently been extended by empirical studies, although some people suggest that progress since 1990 has been disappointing. This article argues that this limited development results from the dominance of quantitative studies which have failed to develop insights into the processes of absorptive capacity, and builds on recent qualitative studies which have successfully opened up new perspectives. Using case studies drawn from three different sectors, the article argues that a process perspective on absorptive capacity should include the role of power in the way knowledge is absorbed by organizations, and provide better understanding of the nature of boundaries within and around organizations.

Language: Portuguese

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific