Absorptive capacity versus distributive capability

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (10) ◽  
pp. 1308-1332 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberly K. Whitehead ◽  
Zach G. Zacharia ◽  
Edmund L. Prater
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Structural Equations ◽  
Supply Chain Collaboration ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Collaborative Engagement ◽  
Parsimonious Model ◽  
Complex Relationships

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to disentangle the role of the source and recipient of knowledge in supply chain collaboration by providing evidence that the distributive capabilities of a source, working in conjunction with the absorptive capacity (AC) of a recipient, have direct and significant effects on levels of collaborative engagement between supply chain partners and indirect and significant effects on collaborative operational outcomes. Design/methodology/approach This study utilises 310 surveys and structural equations modelling to provide empirical evidence to support the significance of the source of knowledge in collaborative activities. Findings The study provides evidence for source-based knowledge transfer constructs (distributive capabilities) in supply chain collaboration. Further, this research supports these capabilities working in conjunction with recipient AC both as necessary but insufficient requirements for successful knowledge transfer. Practical implications Firm interdependence within supply chains continues to grow. In today’s environment of outsourcing and increasing levels of inter-firm activities, this research provides a parsimonious model of collaboration that allows firms to understand knowledge transfer better and how to more aptly manage these types of activities and complex relationships. Originality/value Earlier research in this domain has focussed on the abilities of a recipient firm to absorb knowledge in order to understand successful collaborative knowledge transfer. By solely focussing on the recipient firm, the role of the source of knowledge has been largely overlooked in this stream of research.

Knowledge transfer from business schools to business organizations: the roles absorptive capacity, learning motivation, acquired knowledge and job autonomy

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 1240-1253 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nguyen Dinh Tho
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Business Schools ◽  
Business Students ◽  
Learning Motivation ◽  
Job Autonomy ◽  
Business Organizations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Service Training

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impacts of absorptive capacity, learning motivation and acquired knowledge on knowledge transfer from business schools to business organizations, as it has been realized that in-service training business students can serve as a channel as well as a source in this type of knowledge transfer. The study also examines the mixed moderating role of job autonomy in the relationship between acquired knowledge and knowledge transfer. Design/methodology/approach A sample of 344 in-service training business students in Vietnam was surveyed to collect data. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to validate the measures, and structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses. Findings The findings reveal that absorptive capacity positively affects acquired knowledge but it does not have an effect on knowledge transfer. Learning motivation, however, has positive effects on both acquired knowledge and knowledge transfer. The findings also indicate that acquired knowledge is a determinant of knowledge transfer. Finally, job autonomy plays the role of a mixed moderator in the relationship between acquired knowledge and knowledge transfer. Practical implications This study signals the participating parties –business schools, business organizations and in-service training business students –that absorptive capacity, learning motivation, acquired knowledge and job autonomy are critical to the transfer of knowledge from business schools to business organizations. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature on university-to-industry knowledge transfer by providing empirical evidence for key determinants of knowledge transfer from business schools to business organizations through a new channel of knowledge transfer – in-service training business students.

scholarly journals How ability, motivation and opportunity influence travel agents performance: the moderating role of absorptive capacity

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Mohamed Elbaz ◽  
Gomaa Mohamed Agag ◽  
Nasser Alhamar Alkathiri
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Frontline Employees ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Travel Agents ◽  
Greater Cairo ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose This study aims to examine the influence of the three dimensions of travel agents’ manager competencies – ability, motivation and opportunity seeking – on knowledge transfer and travel agents’ performance. In addition, the study investigates how employee’s absorptive capacity moderates the effects of managers’ competencies on knowledge received by the employees and moderates the effects of knowledge received by the employees on travel agents’ performance. Design/methodology/approach A positivist research philosophy was adopted with a quantitative approach, in which quantitative data were gathered based on questionnaires to tackle different stages of the study. To test the hypotheses, a self-administrated face-to-face survey of about 42 questions, launched on November 7, 2016, was used to compile response from top and medium management Category A travel agents operating in Egypt. Findings Based on a sample of 577 travel agents’ frontline employees, the results showed that the three dimensions of travel agents’ competencies have a positive effect on knowledge received by the employee. Findings further indicated that knowledge received by employee mediates the link between these three competencies and travel agents’ performance. The link between the competencies and knowledge received by the employee was found to be positively moderated by employee absorptive capacity. Moreover, these findings suggested that the relationship between knowledge received and travel agents’ performance is stronger when employees’ absorptive capacity is greater. Research limitations/implications This study is bound by certain limitations that also provide fertile grounds for further research. First, the study examined how an employee’s absorptive capacity moderates the effects of managers’ competencies on knowledge received by the employees and moderates the effects of knowledge received by the employees on travel agents’ performance. However, innovation as a dependent variable can be investigated. Second, one limitation is that the study is restricted to Category A travel agents only in Greater Cairo. Third, examining the antecedents of ability, motivation and opportunity seeking to transfer knowledge is also important. Practical implications It is important for travel agents, owners, managers and employees to acknowledge absorptive capacity as a critical component for organizations to sustain, grow and compete. Travel agents can also take steps to develop their employees’ absorptive capacity. Doing so would further enhance the success of knowledge, employees and travel agents’ performance. Also, travel agents’ top management has to ensure their employees’ absorbing knowledge, identifying and recognizing external knowledge, processing and understanding it, combining it with existing knowledge and applying the new knowledge to commercial ends. Hence, the development of absorptive capacity contributes to a travel agent’s achievement of competitive advantage. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by expanding the extant literature on knowledge transfer and absorptive capacity by investigating the influence of travel agents’ manager competencies – ability, motivation and opportunity seeking – for knowledge transfer in the Egyptian context. In addition, it investigates the direct effects of the three dimensions of travel agents’ manager competencies – ability, motivation and opportunity seeking – for knowledge transfer. Finally, the paper investigates how employee’s absorptive capacity moderates the effects of managers’ competencies on knowledge received by the employees and moderates the effects of knowledge received by the employees on travel agents’ performance

Investigating the role of knowledge transfer in supply chain collaboration

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 284-302 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberly Whitehead ◽  
Zach Zacharia ◽  
Edmund Prater
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Critical Incident ◽  
Supply Chain Collaboration ◽  
Multiple Perspectives ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Absorptive Capacities ◽  
Literature Base

PurposeDespite the large literature base associated with dyadic collaboration, its knowledge-based antecedents are still not well understood. The purpose of this paper is to better understand those antecedents and to explore why the supply chain (SC) literature has found mixed results regarding knowledge transfer and absorptive capacity in dyadic collaboration research.Design/methodology/approachThe critical incident technique (CIT) was utilized, using qualitative semi-structured interviews to refine a proposed research model. In total, 43 executives were interviewed each providing a description of both a successful and an unsuccessful SC dyadic collaboration. The interviews were analyzed to better understand the knowledge-based antecedents of buyer–supplier collaboration.FindingsThis study suggests that dyadic collaboration and subsequent outcomes are improved by successful knowledge transfer. Additionally, knowledge transfer requires both distributive and absorptive capacities in each participant. The research also uncovered new evidence to support the need for a collaborative orientation to support successful knowledge transfer.Research limitations/implicationsThe interviews conducted using the CIT provided a wealth of information and executive experiences in SC collaboration. However, the interviews only provide a single perspective of collaborative engagements. Multiple perspectives of each collaboration would add value to this research.Originality/valueSC collaboration and knowledge transfer have been well studied across disciplines. This research introduces new knowledge-related variables that can contribute to successful collaboration: distributive capability and SC collaborative orientation.

The role of absorptive capacity within supply chain quality integration

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 805-820
Author(s):  
Ziad Alkalha ◽  
Iain Reid ◽  
Benjamin Dehe
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Process Quality ◽  
Comparative Case Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Product And Process ◽  
Product And Process Quality

Purpose There is a consensus suggesting that the theoretical underpinning associated with supply chain quality management practices remain evolutionary to current thinking. Therefore, this study aims to explore how absorptive capacity (AC) supports supply chain quality integration (SCQI) by building product and process quality within a supply chain (SC). Design/methodology/approach A comparative case study of global pharmaceutical manufacturers in a developing market was undertaken. A two-round qualitative research method was designed to collect data through 54 semi-structured interviews with pharmaceutical managers and senior managers. Findings The results demonstrate that AC is essential to the development of SCQI because of its ability to use valuable strategic and operational knowledge, which is important when improving consistent internal product and process quality, along with establishing a robust SC design. The authors found that AC enables companies to design their quality and continuously improve their products and processes among their SC members. Research limitations/implications The authors acknowledge that these sets of findings are difficult to generalise to other sectors, however, the authors are confident that they can be extrapolated to other companies in the pharmaceutical industry. Practical implications The study develops a framework to support practitioners and decision makers to leverage their AC towards facilitating their SCQI practices. Originality/value This study explains the role of the AC process in relation to SCQI practices, in the context of the pharmaceutical SC. The study profiles the characteristics of dynamic capabilities to increase the companies’ competencies, processes and resources.

Supply network-enabled innovations. An analysis based on dependence and complementarity of capabilities

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 642-660 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Isabel Roldán Bravo ◽  
Antonia Ruiz Moreno ◽  
Francisco Javier Llorens-Montes
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Open Innovation ◽  
Supply Network ◽  
Power Asymmetry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Apply Regression Analysis ◽  
Moderating Role ◽  
Desorptive Capacity

Purpose This paper aims to seek to explain the influence of power asymmetry and the moderating role of an organization’s absorptive and desorptive capacity on enhancing supply chain competence from its orientation to open innovation with its supply network. Design/methodology/approach To perform this study, the authors use data collected from 262 European firms. They apply regression analysis to test the moderating role of an organization’s absorptive and desorptive capacity on enhancing its supply chain competence from its orientation to open innovation. Findings The results confirm both the influence of power asymmetry and absorptive capacity on obtaining benefits that derive from an organization’s orientation to open innovation. The results do not, however, support the moderating effect of an organization’s desorptive capacity. Subsequent analyses performed in the study show that organizations that achieve complementarity among their own absorptive capacity and the capacities of its supply network manage to obtain greater benefits from its orientation to open innovation. Originality/value This paper responds to the need to study innovation in the context of a supply network and respond to calls in the literature on open innovation and supply chain management for the need to study the moderating role of absorptive and desorptive capacity.

Demystifying the role of internal dynamics in the path of innovative competitiveness: a serial mediation model of international joint ventures

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vijita Aggarwal ◽  
Madhavi Kapoor
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Joint Ventures ◽  
International Joint Ventures ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Internal Dynamics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Competencies ◽  
International Joint

PurposeThe study proposes and evaluates a parsimonious research framework by integrating the major strategic theories related to an international firm's internal dynamics. This research's essence lies in the proposition that organizational competencies, knowledge resources and processes, absorptive capacity and innovativeness form the underlying base for sustainable competitive advantage in this dynamic world.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional explanatory research design is adopted. Using the quantitative data obtained from the sample of Indian international joint ventures (IJVs), partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) is deployed to confirm the proposed relationships among the research constructs. Finally, qualitative interviews helped in triangulating the primary survey's results.FindingsA well-established relationship between knowledge transfer and innovation is negated by the Indian IJVs' data, which is delved deeper with cross-industry qualitative analysis. The novel hierarchical model with multiple mediations has nurtured quite exciting results for the business world with some significant theoretical and managerial implications.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has investigated the nexus between multi-dimensional organizational competencies, knowledge transfer, absorptive capacity and venture innovativeness in the context of Indian IJVs. It has emphasized the role of internal dynamics in cross-cultural joint ventures to attain sustainable competitiveness through strategic and technological efficiency.Originality/valueThe study has addressed the specific research gap of under-investigation of dynamic capabilities and sustainable competitiveness in international joint ventures. It has investigated a complex model of multiple mediations, yielding interesting quantitative results with qualitative insights; which is rare to match in literature.

scholarly journals Role of power in supply chain performance: evidence from agribusiness SMEs in Uganda

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 339-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Walter Odongo ◽  
Manoj Kumar Dora ◽  
Adrienn Molnar ◽  
Duncan Ongeng ◽  
Xavier Gellynck
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Group Analysis ◽  
Structural Equations ◽  
Supply Chain Performance ◽  
Commodity Chain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Focal Firm ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
Triadic Context

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of power on supply chain performance (SCP) in the context of small and medium sized agribusiness enterprises (SMEs). Contrary to most of previous studies, which collect and analyze data from one side of a relationship dyad using a focal firm approach, a matched triad approach was employed in data collection and analysis. Design/methodology/approach Empirical data was collected from 150 agribusiness supply chain members from the maize supply chain in Uganda. Analysis was done using multi-group analysis and structural equations modeling. Findings Results highlight the differences in the perception of power use and how it influences SCP. The differences in perception suggest the existence of power asymmetry amongst supply chain members. This work contributes to the ongoing debate concerning the use of triad as a unit of analysis as opposed to a firm or a dyad. Research limitations/implications This study only focused on one commodity chain in one country, which can limit the broad application of the findings. Originality/value The novelty of this work lies in fact that the authors assess perception of power amongst supply chain members in a triadic context, a perspective that has not been adequately tested in agribusiness supply chain management studies before.

The role of cognitive proximity on supply chain collaboration for radical and incremental innovation: a study of a transition economy

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 591-604 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mai Anh Thi Nguyen ◽  
Hui Lei ◽  
Khoa Dinh Vu ◽  
Phong Ba Le
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Transition Economy ◽  
Incremental Innovation ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Supply Chain Collaboration ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Incentive Alignment ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of cognitive proximity on supply chain collaboration and how it relates to radical and incremental innovation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on quantitative approach to analyze the data of 218 firms in a developing and transition economy. The proposal model is tested with exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM).FindingsThe authors’ findings show that cognitive proximity facilitates decision synchronization and incentive alignment in the supply chain. Furthermore, the authors’ results indicate that information sharing and decision synchronization are determinants of radical innovation while incentive alignment is a determinant of incremental innovation.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was cross-sectional, so the authors could not consider the control variable such as sectors or firms’ size. It is hard to control the specific features of cognitive proximity in one single industry when using cross-sectional data. In future investigations, it may be possible to use a different dimension of proximity to explain the implementation of collaboration for innovation.Originality/valueThis study attempted to explore the role of cognitive proximity on supply chain implementation process in the context of a transition economy. Moreover, the authors’ findings provide the clearer understanding of the relationship between collaboration and innovation.

Collaborative planning, forecasting and replenishment: a literature review

2015 ◽  
Vol 64 (7) ◽  
pp. 971-993 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Luis Hollmann ◽  
Luiz Felipe Scavarda ◽  
Antônio Márcio Tavares Thomé
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Collaborative Planning ◽  
Supply Chain Collaboration ◽  
Information Communication ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic review of the literature on Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment (CPFR). The review emphasises the descriptors of CPFR implementation and models, as well as the impact of CPFR and other supply chain collaboration (SCC) initiatives on supply chain (SC) performance. Design/methodology/approach – The systematic review includes 50 full-text papers retrieved from four databases: Emerald, EBSCO, ScienceDirect and Wiley. Rigorous and verifiable keywords, review steps and selection criteria were applied to the database and inter-coders agreement was systematically checked. Findings – There is no consensus regarding the breadth and scope of CPFR configurations. CPFR is context-dependent and varies according to the configuration of the SC. Trust, information-communication technology and the quality of information sharing are main enablers and inhibitors of implementation. Practical implications – Practitioners will benefit from insights related to the choice of SCC configurations (e.g. number of partners, nature of products and spatial complexity), the importance of trust and empowerment for SCC and the need to outweigh carefully the costs and benefits of specific SCC before implementation. Originality/value – CPFR, which is considered by many to be the most advanced and the most comprehensive SCC process and has a direct impact upon SC performance. Nonetheless, efforts to synthesise the overall state of the art in CPFR have been rather limited to date. As an effort to fill this gap, this paper provides a better understanding of the role of CPFR as a determinant of SC performance. As an effort to contribute to complete the cycle of theory building based on the literature review, seven propositions for CPFR research are put forward.

scholarly journals Effects of absorptive capacity, trust and information systems on product innovation

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 493-512 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Zhang ◽  
Xiande Zhao ◽  
Marjorie Lyles
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
New Product Development ◽  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Product Innovation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Management Processes ◽  
Complex Relationships ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the mechanisms through which absorptive capacity (AC), trust and information systems jointly influence product innovation. Design/methodology/approach This study proposes a research model to examine the mediating role of AC on the impacts of trust and information systems on product innovation and the moderating roles of trust and information systems on the relationship between AC and product innovation. The hypotheses are empirically tested using regression and bootstrapping methods and data collected from 276 manufacturing firms in China. Findings This study finds that trust and information systems positively affect product innovation and the effects are fully mediated by AC. AC also significantly enhances product innovation, and the effect is amplified by trust as well as information systems. In addition, the results show that trust and information systems improve AC both individually and interactively. Originality/value The findings extend existing knowledge on the antecedents of AC and the contingent conditions under which a manufacturer’s AC is more effective than that of its rivals. The results also clarify the mechanisms through which trust and information systems improve product innovation. This study provides insights into the complex relationships among a manufacturer’s sociotechnical systems, knowledge management processes and new product development, and reveals how to design organisational systems to fully capitalise the value of AC on product innovation.

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