Knowledge sharing and absorptive capacity: interdependency and complementarity

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to resolve contradictions in the literature regarding the relationship between knowledge sharing (KS) and absorptive capacity (AC). The authors analyze the reasons for which KS has been interpreted as an antecedent and those for which it has been seen as a consequent of AC. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a systematic review of the literature to identify the arguments supporting the relationships between the constructs and propose a model. Additionally, the hypotheses were tested using SEM to assess the proposed model. Findings The findings reveal the nature of the relationship between KS and AC. Suggesting AC is bi-dimensional, consisting of potential AC and realized AC, while the relationship between these two dimensions depends on KS. Research limitations/implications This study provides consistent theoretical grounds for future empirical research. The study findings demonstrate KS provides a real contribution towards AC, validating the previous literature on the impact of KS antecedents on realized AC. Additionally, the authors provide evidence to suggest knowledge donation is an output of the AC process, thus generating a debate on the nature of knowledge donation (requested vs unrequested), which raises interesting research questions to be addressed in the future. As a limitation, empirical data was only collected in the context of software development in two countries. Practical implications The results elucidate the central role of knowledge collection within AC. For managers, the importance of the role of knowledge collection to fully benefit from AC and exploit knowledge is highlighted. Originality/value The research design is original in that it combines a systematic and integrative literature review to the ground and propose hypotheses with empirically testing of the emerging model. The study clarifies the relationship between KS and AC, providing evidence to show knowledge donation is an output of the AC process. The benefits of this study can be seen at the team and firm-level.

Dispersed knowledge management in ecosystems

“…Eventually, the conversation on KM literature extended to encompass meso-level and macro-level aspects; for example, Cohen and Levinthal (1990) proposed the concept of absorptive capacity, which relies on a firm’s ability to acquire and use knowledge, as seen in Balle et al (2020) and Arias-Pérez et al (2020). A significant research stream explored the role of knowledge and the development of routines (Carayannis et al , 2017) and capabilities (Bingham et al , 2019; Eggers and Kaplan, 2013).…”

Knowledge transfer in institutionalised supplier development and operational performance: the mediating role of absorptive capacity

“…Effective management of knowledge is a core competence that gives an organisation some competitive edge (Grant, 1996) because such competencies are held in the organisation's intellectual capital, employees, and systems (Balle et al, 2020;Spekman et al, 2002). Arguably these competencies are not equally distributed in all organisations because some organisations are better at utilising the competencies to develop their capabilities and outsmart other players.…”

“…AC is a fundamental learning process used by an organisation to acquire, assimilate, transform and exploit knowledge for performance improvement (Ali et al, 2018;Balle et al, 2020;Lane et al, 2006;Zahra & George, 2002;Zhang & Lyles, 2018). For local contractors to recognise and acquire valuable knowledge, assimilate, transform, and exploit it for performance improvement, they must have sufficient AC (Arroyo-López et al, 2012).…”

“…Research has shown that AC, the ability of an organisation to acquire, assimilate, transform and exploit external knowledge in R & D and supply chains collaborations, have a direct positive impact on organisational performance outcomes (Cohen & Levinthal, 1990;Ebers & Maurer, 2014;Todorova & Durisin, 2007;Zhang & Lyles, 2018). Similarly, Balle et al (2020) argue that AC is a critical ingredient that influences an organisational capacity through access to strategic resources which may not be found within the organisational boundaries. Recently, in their study of buyer engagement on green product innovation in Pakistan, Awan et al (2021) reiterate the vital role of AC in knowledge acquisition, assimilation and subsequently, achievement of green product innovation.…”

The role of knowledge integration in shaping the capabilities and success of a charity: an in-depth case study analysis

“…Knowledge absorption refers to the willingness and capacity of individuals to assimilate and use the translated knowledge shared with them (Argote, 2013;Balle et al, 2020). Absorptive capacity is defined as "the ability to recognize the value of new external information, assimilate it and apply it to commercial ends" (Cohen and Levinthal, 1990, p. 128).…”