Absorptive capacity: towards individual or organizational themes

Capacidade absortiva: rumo a temas individuais ou organizacionais

ABSTRACT

Purpose:

This study evaluates the relationship between Individual Absorptive Capacity, Social Integration Mechanisms and Organizational Absorptive Capacity. This study provides empirical evidence about the conceptual absorptive capacity (ACAP) model through examining the full process systematically. Two groups of moderating variables were studied—namely, social integration and appropriability—to examine their impact on the process.

Design/methodology/approach:

This study employed a longitudinal study on metal mechanic companies in Brasil by using 427 survey responses and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Data analysis was performed considering: i) Cronbach’s alpha; ii) Composite Reliability; iii) Average Variance Extracted (AVE); iv) Fornell and Larcker criteria; v) Evaluation of Pearson Coefficients of Determination (R2); vi) Effect Size (f2) or Indicator of Cohen; vii) Predictive Validity (Q2); and viii) Student’s t-test. Following the estimation of the structural model (path coefficients) using the Partial Least Squares method via SmartPLS software version 3.2.8.

Findings:

The study confirms that social integration mechanisms are required from organizations to create a positive environment for individuals to develop knowledge in the organizational and individual absorptive capacity levels. Social integration mechanisms can have a direct or moderator effect on the dimensions of the ACAP.

Originality/value:

This study provides support to the learning theory and to the organization-learning concept. It also reveals empirical evidence that the social integration mechanisms play a key role in facilitating both individual and organizational knowledge transfer process. The findings of this study provide functional suggestions and highlight areas for future research.

Keywords:
Absorptive capacity; Microfounds; Organization-learning; Cognitions individuals; Organizational knowledge; Social integration Mechanisms