Absorptive capacity, knowledge sharing, and innovative behaviour of R&D employees

This study explores the interrelationship between absorptive capacity and knowledge sharing, which are innovation-specific antecedents of innovative behaviour. By differentiating the two sub-dimensions of absorptive capacity, potential and realised absorptive capacity, previous contradictory finding...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Technology analysis & strategic management 2017-02, Vol.29 (2), p.219-232
Main Authors: Kang, Minhyung, Lee, Mi-Jung
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Absorptive capacity
Absorptivity
Behavior
Electronics
Employees
Exposure
individual-level
Innovations
innovative behaviour
Knowledge sharing
Mathematical analysis
Mathematical models
R&D
Research & development
Strategic management
Technology assessment
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Summary:This study explores the interrelationship between absorptive capacity and knowledge sharing, which are innovation-specific antecedents of innovative behaviour. By differentiating the two sub-dimensions of absorptive capacity, potential and realised absorptive capacity, previous contradictory findings on the relationship between absorptive capacity and knowledge sharing are reconciled. To verify the research hypotheses, the survey responses from 138 R&D employees of a multinational electronics company are analysed through structural equation modelling. The results show that both sub-dimensions of absorptive capacity directly influence innovative behaviour. However, knowledge sharing's effect on innovative behaviour is indirect through realised absorptive capacity. The research findings imply employees' absorptive capacity and knowledge sharing among them should be nurtured simultaneously to facilitate innovative behaviour. In addition to providing employees with many opportunities to be exposed to external knowledge, internal communications among employees and exploratory trials exploiting external knowledge along with internal knowledge should be encouraged.
ISSN:0953-7325
1465-3990
DOI:10.1080/09537325.2016.1211265