Absorptive Capacity : Absorbing External Knowledge and Internal Resources
Type
conference paper
Date Issued
2015-10-03
Author(s)
Abstract
Despite being one of the most prominent concepts in the current management literature, our understanding of absorptive capacity (AC) - the ability to assimilate external knowledge - is still limited. Particularly, previous research has assumed away the costs of AC, implicitly claiming that more AC is always better. We develop a fit perspective between levels of AC and external knowledge sourcing (EKS), arguing that firms combining high levels of AC with low levels of EKS bear the costs of building and maintaining AC without recouping these investments. In line with our theoretical arguments, empirical evidence on 175 European firms shows that AC yields superior financial performance implications when it is matched by high levels of EKS.
Language
English
Keywords
Absorptive Capacity
External Knowledge Sourcing
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
Yes
Book title
Strategy Expanding : Making Sense of Shifting Field and Firm Boundaries
Publisher
SMS Strategic Management Society
Publisher place
Chicago, IL
Start page
6
Event Title
Strategic Management Societiy (SMS) 35th Annual International Conference
Event Location
Denver, CO
Event Date
03-06.10.2015
Subject(s)
Division(s)
Eprints ID
244756