Knowledge Processes, Absorptive Capacity and Innovation: A Mediation Analysis. (20th May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Costa, Vítor; Monteiro, Samuel
• Is Part Of: Knowledge and process management. Volume 23:Number 3(2016:Jul./Sep.)
• Page Start: 207
• Page End: 218
• Publication Date: 2016-05-20
• Subjects: Organizational change -- Periodicals; Industrial management -- Periodicals; Corporate reorganizations -- Periodicals; Production management -- Periodicals; 658.406
• DOI: 10.1002/kpm.1507
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1092-4604

Abstract

Abstract : The present research aims to explore the role of knowledge creation and absorptive capacity as mediating variables between knowledge acquisition, knowledge sharing, and companies' organizational innovation. A theoretical model supporting the hypothesized relationships is developed, and then research hypotheses are tested with a sample of 111 industrial organizations, using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The results show that knowledge creation positively influences innovation and partially mediates the relationship between intra‐firm knowledge sharing and innovation. Knowledge acquisition from external partners is not enough to promote innovation results but significantly reinforces absorptive capacity as well as knowledge sharing. Companies' absorptive capacity fosters the creation of knowledge, but does not significantly influence organizational innovation. The small sample size limits generalization of the present findings. Further research should explore the complementary role of knowledge creation and absorptive capacity in both small and medium‐sized enterprises and large companies. Knowledge management practitioners should facilitate a knowledge sharing environment, where new ideas and solutions can be developed, and consequently innovation outcomes are likely to occur. This paper follows recent approaches to mediation analysis and covers advanced topics in partial least squares structural equation modeling literature, providing empirical examples of the application of hierarchical component models and mediation analysis using bootstrap. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.