Using a ‘process’ based conception of absorptive capacity, this paper reports the findings from an ethnography of organizational learning conducted within the marketing department of the UK’s postal provider, Royal Mail. Through vignettes of two contrasting marketing projects undertaken in conjunction with external partners, the results show that interorganizational learning is supported by inf...

This working paper sets up the basis for investigating the role of IT capabilities in the context of large and distributed service organizations. The idea grounded in this article resides in the possibility that absorptive capacity has an impact on service innovation. Addressing some theories on absorptive capacity and on service innovation we provide a brief insight on the importance that IT s...

Absorptive capacity, defined as the organizational capability to identify, absorb and exploit knowledge, is one of the most discussed topics in the management literature. Yet, its complex nature makes it almost impossible to empirically test it. This paper develops SimAC, an agent-based simulation tool that enables studying and comparing different absorptive capacity strategies, their related f...

This paper examines how the structure of a supply network can affect the inter-organizational knowledge sharing capability, which is expressed by absorptive capacity and shared identity. The supply network structure is analyzed by two dimensions – formality and centrality. Propositions about the relationships between network structure and knowledge sharing capability are suggested at the end. S...

In this paper, we examine the phenomenon of dyadic inter-organizational relationships and develop a conceptual model to explain the influence of complementary knowledge and relative absorptive capacity on firm performance. Using theoretical perspectives emanating from the knowledge-based view of the firm and organizational learning, we suggest that performance outcomes in inter-organizational r...

Small bowel transplantation (SBT) has been carried out in man in several cases without success, because immunologic problems were unsolved. In experimental SBT a 'two step' model was developed, which enables long term observation of immunologic phenomena. In this model the graft is in a heterotopic position to the recipient's own small bowel. After 35 days the recipient's own bowel is removed a...

This paper models the determinants of exporting (both in terms of export propensity and export intensity), with a particular emphasis on the importance of absorptive capacity and the endogenous link between exporting and undertaking R&D. Based on a merged dataset of the 2001 Community Innovation Survey and the 2000 Annual Respondents Database for the UK, our results suggest that establishment s...

Researchers and practitioners regard information technology (IT) as a competitive tool. However, current knowledge on IT capability mechanisms that affect firm performance remains unclear. Based on the dynamic capabilities perspective and the view of a hierarchy of capabilities, this article proposes a model to examine how IT capabilities (i.e., flexible IT infrastructure and IT assimilation) a...

Few studies have identified the organizational characteristics that are associated with the transfer of research-based treatment techniques into practice. One potentially fruitful concept is absorptive capacity, referring to an organization's ability to seek and utilize information, which may be positively associated with the use of innovative treatment techniques. This paper examines the assoc...