Interorganizational Learning and Absorptive Capacity: Empirical Research in Small and Medium Enterprises

Abstract

Purpose: This research analyzes the influence of interorganizational learning (IOL) on the absorptive (Acap), potential (Pacap) and realized (Racap) capacities on the environment of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Originality/value: The study contributed to the understanding and expansion of IOL research operationalized through the elements of Acap. The understanding of these elements are fundamental for the development of competencies of SMEs from Brazil and/or emerging countries embedded on dynamic sectors and high technology mobility to adapt and develop new dynamic capabilities. Design/methodology/approach: The research was conducted by a survey with a sample of 215 organizations of the information technology and communication (ITC) sector in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The data were analyzed using the structural equation modeling technique. Findings: The results showed that the relationships of IOL influence the development of new capabilities and have a strong influence over absorptive capacity development. The organizations ability to acquire, assimilate, apply and internalize the available knowledge in the sector through interorganizational relations was fundamental for their adaptation and survival.

Integrative Review of Absorptive Capacity’s Role in Fostering Organizational Resilience and Research Agenda

“…Kurtz and Varvakis [129] proposed that ACAP, as a dynamic learning capacity, is associated not only with knowledge creation ability and anticipation but also adaptation ability and organizational enhancement following the disruption. Several scholars claimed that organizations depend on external knowledge and ACAP to improve their performance and to ensure their survival as well as adaptation in a dynamic market [190]. Hence, firms need to acquire critical knowledge from external sources to foster adaptation capabilities.…”

“…Albeit, with ACAP, the firms can absorb external knowledge and combine it with existing internal knowledge to transform it for different applications. Additionally, the dynamic capability perspective elucidates ACAP as a capability that enables organizations to make continuous reconfigurations through knowledge accumulation and to respond more effectively and quickly to market alterations [190]. Therefore, the more an organization can absorb and exploit knowledge, the more it will be able to reflect, learn, and advance following disruptive situations.…”

Capacidade Absortiva E a Comunicação Organizacional: Benefícios E Desafios Nas Instituições De Ensino Superior

“…A interligação da capacidade absortiva e da comunicação organizacional apresenta implicações significativas nos estudos de estratégia e comunicação organizacional, enfatizando a importância de explorar ambas as temáticas, uma vez que estão intrinsecamente ligadas à transferência de conhecimento. Enquanto a teoria da capacidade absortiva permite a aquisição de conhecimento e o fortalecimento do ambiente interno, a comunicação organizacional desempenha um papel crucial ao facilitar o compartilhamento de conhecimento, estabelecer relações e parcerias nas relações comerciais e promover o desenvolvimento de redes colaborativas (Cassol et al, 2021).…”

Inovação em pequenas e médias empresas: a influência da capacidade absortiva

“…Thus, understanding whether the dimensions of PACAP and RACAP influence the innovation capacity of SMEs distinctly becomes a field to be explored (DÁVILA et al, 2018;TONIAL;WERLANG, 2021). Therefore, we seek to answer: What is the level of influence of the potential absorptive capacity (PACAP) and the realized absorptive capacity (RACAP) in the innovation of small and medium enterprises?…”