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

Academy of Management Journal, Forthcoming

41 Pages Posted: 7 Jun 2005

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)

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Abstract

This study explores how organizational antecedents affect potential and realized absorptive capacity. 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 enhance a 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: Absorptive Capacity, Combinative Capabilities, Knowledge, Organizational Learning, Antecedents

JEL Classification: D21, M10, M13, L80

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?. Academy of Management Journal, Forthcoming, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=736683

Justin J. P. Jansen (Contact Author)

Rotterdam School of Management ( email )

P.O. Box 1738
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3000 DR Rotterdam, 3000 DR
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HOME PAGE: http://www.rsm.nl/jjansen

Frans A. J. Van Den Bosch

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

RSM Erasmus University
Rotterdam, 3000 DR
Netherlands
+31 10 408 1955/2005 (Phone)
+31 10 453 0137 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://www.rsm.nl/fvandenbosch

Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM)

P.O. Box 1738
3000 DR Rotterdam
Netherlands

Henk W. Volberda

Amsterdam Business School ( email )

Plantage Muidergracht 12
Amsterdam, 1018 TV
Netherlands
+31 205254369 (Phone)

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

P.O. Box 1738
Room T08-21
3000 DR Rotterdam, 3000 DR
Netherlands
+31 10 408 2761 (Phone)
+31 10 408 9013 (Fax)

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

Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM)

P.O. Box 1738
3000 DR Rotterdam
Netherlands