External knowledge acquisition, creativity and learning in organisational problem solving. (14th February 2007)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Soo, Christine W.; Devinney, Timothy M.; Midgley, David F.
• Editors: Santoro, Michael D.; Bierly III, Paul E.; Gopalakrishnan, Shanthi
• Is Part Of: International journal of technology management. Volume 38:Number 1/2((2007)
• Page Start: 137
• Page End: 159
• Publication Date: 2007-02-14
• Subjects: knowledge acquisition -- creativity -- organisational learning -- problem solving -- absorptive capacity -- firm performance; Technology -- Management -- Periodicals; 658.4062
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0267-5730

Abstract

The role of knowledge in firm strategy and performance is well documented in existing literature. Numerous studies conclude that, in general, the higher the level of knowledge acquired, the greater the level of firm performance. In this study, we take a more micro-level approach. Specifically, we examine the impact of external knowledge on the processes of creativity and learning in problem solving. We also investigate the role of absorptive capacity in knowledge acquisition, creativity and learning. As we will show, simply having access to a pool of external knowledge is not enough. If the firm is to use this knowledge to improve its performance, it must be able to do the following: absorb that knowledge; act creatively upon that knowledge; create new knowledge from these activities.