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A literature analysis of the use of Absorptive Capacity construct in IS research

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  • Gao, Shijia
  • Yeoh, William
  • Wong, Siew Fan
  • Scheepers, Rens

Abstract

Since the seminal inception of Absorptive Capacity (ACAP) by Cohen and Levinthal (1990), it has been adopted widely in information systems (IS) research. This paper analyzes the use of ACAP in IS research through a literature analysis of ACAP-related papers published in 52 reputable IS journals from 1990 to 2015. Drawing on a review of the evolution of ACAP, the analyses conducted include: (1) descriptive analysis of ACAP in IS papers; (2) domains of ACAP usage; (3) analysis of hypotheses and propositions to show how ACAP is being used to explain various organizational phenomena in IS research; and (4) analysis of the measures to provide insights into the operationalization of ACAP in IS research. Our findings suggest that while the majority of the research correctly conceptualizes ACAP as a capability, various misalignments between ACAP conceptualization, operationalization and measurement, and the level of analysis in the literature continue to do a disservice to the accumulated research in ACAP. The findings and recommendations should help IS researchers to conceptualize and operationalize ACAP appropriately.

Suggested Citation

  • Gao, Shijia & Yeoh, William & Wong, Siew Fan & Scheepers, Rens, 2017. "A literature analysis of the use of Absorptive Capacity construct in IS research," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 37(2), pages 36-42.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ininma:v:37:y:2017:i:2:p:36-42
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2016.11.001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Kai Wu & Ghassan Beydoun & Osama Sohaib & Asif Gill, 2022. "The Co-construct/ Co-evolving Process between Organization’s Absorptive Capacity and Enterprise System Practice under Changing Context: The Case of ERP Practice," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 24(6), pages 2123-2138, December.
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    7. Božič, Katerina & Dimovski, Vlado, 2019. "Business intelligence and analytics for value creation: The role of absorptive capacity," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 46(C), pages 93-103.
    8. Ku, Edward C.S., 2022. "Developing business process agility: Evidence from inter-organizational information systems of airlines and travel agencies," Journal of Air Transport Management, Elsevier, vol. 103(C).

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