The absorptive capacity of tourism organisations

Abstract

Absorptive capacity, one of the most prominent constructs in innovation research over recent decades, has advanced theoretically without consideration for the peculiarities of tourism and tourism enterprises. At its core is the notion that an ability to acquire, assimilate, transform and exploit external knowledge generates competitive advantage. Following a review of the literature and a study of absorptive capacity in the international meetings industry, a new theoretical model is proposed. The paper also provides the means by which policy-makers might, for the first time, assess levels of absorptive capacity in destinations.

Tourism Innovation in the Global South: Evidence from the Western Cape, South Africa

“…Issues considered here include whether innovation is prevalent in tourism and mainly novel or incremental. Several authors argue that competition is particularly strong in tourism and that innovation is imperative for the competitiveness of tourism firms, destinations and regions (Williams, 2014;Alsos et al, 2014;Martínez-Román et al, 2015;Pappas, 2015;Thomas & Wood, 2015). In particular, innovation appears to be especially important for the survival of small tourism firms, as well as peripheral destinations with a view to accelerate economic catch-up (Brouder, 2012;Brouder & Eriksson, 2013, Carlisle et al, 2013Martínez-Román et al, 2015).…”

“…Arguably, innovation is a ‘critical issue’ for the contemporary tourism and hospitality industries (Iplik et al ., ). Innovation is considered imperative for tourism firms either to enhance their competitiveness by adapting constantly to stay ahead of their competitors or simply to survive in an interconnected world (Brouder & Eriksson, ; Iplik et al ., ; Mattsson & Orfila‐Sintes, ; Martínez‐Román et al ., ; Pappas, ; Thomas & Wood, ). Nonetheless, several scholars argue that research on innovation in tourism is limited and a need exists for further measurement and analysis of the phenomenon, as well as for theoretical strengthening of tourism innovation studies (Camisόn & Monfort‐Mir, ; Brouder & Eriksson, ; Rodríguez et al ., ; Williams, ).…”

Human and other critical factors in organizational learning in the hotel industry: A contingency approach

“…In such an environment, acquiring outside information is essential for long-term survival (e.g. Kumar et al, 2008;Alonso-Almeida & Bremser, 2013;Ghaderi et al, 2014;Thomas & Wood, 2015;Fraj et al, 2015). Tourist companies must therefore strive to establish links with their surrounds to acquire and transfer new knowledge.…”

Absorptive Capacity in Tourism Enterprises – The Significance and Measurement Possibilities

“…Wykorzystanie miar subiektywnych oznaczało badanie postrzegania procesów składających się na zdolność do absorpcji wiedzy przy pomocy skal mierzących postawy, np. skal Likreta (Lee, 2008;Valentina, Passiante, 2009;Thomas, Wood, 2015). Taka ocena, w dotychczasowych badaniach, oparta była na opinii jednej osoby, znaczenie zdolności do absorpcji w przedsiębiorstwach turystycznych Dotychczasowe badania prowadzone w przedsiębiorstwach turystycznych sugerują, że zdolność od absorpcji wiedzy może być istotnym czynnikiem wpływającym na wyniki przedsiębior-stwa.…”