Article
Absorptive Capacity: A Review, Reconceptualization, and Extension
Academy of Management Review
Publication Type
Journal Article
Version
publishedVersion
Publication Date
4-2002
Abstract
Researchers have used the absorptive capacity construct to explain various organizational phenomena. In this article we review the literature to identify key dimensions of absorptive capacity and offer a reconceptualization of this construct. Building upon the dynamic capabilities view of the firm, we distinguish between a firm's potential and realized capacity. We then advance a model outlining the conditions when the firm's potential and realized capacities can differentially influence the creation and sustenance of its competitive advantage.
Keywords
- absorptive capacity,
- competitive advantage,
- industrial capacity,
- strategic planning
Discipline
Identifier
10.5465/AMR.2002.6587995
Publisher
Academy of Management
Copyright Owner and License
Publisher
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International
Additional URL
https://doi.org/10.5465/AMR.2002.6587995
Citation Information
Shaker A. ZAHRA and Gerard GEORGE. "Absorptive Capacity: A Review, Reconceptualization, and Extension" Academy of Management Review Vol. 27 Iss. 2 (2002) p. 185 - 203 ISSN: 0363-7425 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/gerard-george/12/