Managing Potential and Realized Absorptive Capacity: How Do Organizational Antecedents Matter?

44 Pages Posted: 29 Feb 2008

See all articles by Justin J. P. Jansen

Justin J. P. Jansen

Rotterdam School of Management

Frans A. J. Van Den Bosch

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) - Department of Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship; Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM)

H. W. Volberda

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) - Rotterdam School of Management (RSM); Amsterdam Business School; Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM)

Multiple version iconThere are 2 versions of this paper

Date Written: October 2005 5,

Abstract

This study explores how organizational antecedents affect potential and realized absorptivecapacity. Our study identifies differential effects for both components of absorptive capacity.Results indicate that organizational mechanisms associated with coordination capabilities (i.e.cross-functional interfaces, participation in decision-making, and job rotation) primarily enhancea unit’s potential absorptive capacity. Organizational mechanisms associated with socialization capabilities (i.e. connectedness and socialization tactics) primarily increase a unit’s realized absorptive capacity. Our findings reveal why units may have difficulties in managing levels of potential and realized absorptive capacity and vary in their ability to create value from their absorptive capacity.

Keywords: combinative capabilities, absorptive capacity, organizational antecedents, external knowledge

JEL Classification: M, D21, L20

Suggested Citation

Jansen, Justin J. P. and Van Den Bosch, Frans A. J. and Volberda, Henk W. and Volberda, Henk W., Managing Potential and Realized Absorptive Capacity: How Do Organizational Antecedents Matter? (October 2005 5,). ERIM Report Series Reference No. ERS-2005-025-STR, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1100289

Justin J. P. Jansen (Contact Author)

Rotterdam School of Management ( email )

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Frans A. J. Van Den Bosch

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) - Department of Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship ( email )

RSM Erasmus University
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Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM)

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Henk W. Volberda

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) - Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) ( email )

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HOME PAGE: http://www.eur.nl/fbk/dep/dep4/faculty_members/Henk_Volberda

Amsterdam Business School ( email )

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Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM)

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