How Alliancing as a Dynamic Capability Influences the Absorptive Capacity of Corporations

This contribution focuses on ‘alliancing capability’ which describes a specific form of dynamic capabilities. ‘Alliancing capabilitiy’ are characterized by corporate processes, positions (asset combinations), and paths. The specific interdependence of these three ‘P’, while setting up alliances, characterizes a specific dynamic capability of a corporation. Derived from past research it could be assumed that a higher alliancing capability is related to an increased absorptive capacity and hence to better performances of the corporation. We will prove alliancing capability in this contribution by performing a case study of Deutsche Börse Group, an international stock exchange corporation which is operating in a high dynamic and competitive environment. This contribution starts with a detailed description and definition of ‘alliancing capabilities’. To get a closer and in-depth understanding of dynamic capabilities a theoretical framework and organizational learning constructs will be presented. The framework will be validated by a case study analysis.