Cited by 10,758Innovation and Knowledge ManagementIntellectual Capital and Performance AnalysisInternational Business and FDI

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Absorptive Capacity: A Review, Reconceptualization, and Extension

Zahra, Shaker A., George, Gerard·2002·The Academy of Management Review

DOI 10.5465/amr.2002.6587995

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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.

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“Absorptive Capacity (ACAP) ACAP is proposed to play a signi ﬁ cant role in enriching the process of knowledge creation embraced inside contemporary organisational hierarchies (Zahra & George, 2002).”
Background
Algorithms for operational decision-making: An absorptive capacity perspective on the process of converting data into relevant knowledge
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Authors: Zahra, S. A., & George, G.
Affiliations: Georgia State University (US)
University of Wisconsin–Madison (US)
ORCID: Zahra, Shaker A.
George, Gerard
Venue: The Academy of Management Review
Publisher: Academy of Management
Published: 2002-04
Volume: 27
Issue: 2
Pages: 185
ISSN: 0363-7425 (ISSN-L)
DOI: 10.5465/amr.2002.6587995
OpenAlex: W2119652992
Cited by: 10,758
References: 96
Citations by year: 2026: 751 · 2025: 613 · 2024: 509 · 2023: 585 · 2022: 645 · 2021: 646 · 2020: 621 · 2019: 570 · 2018: 652 · 2017: 587 · 2016: 506 · 2015: 548 · 2014: 536 · 2013: 556 · 2012: 494
FWCI: 313.43
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Academy of Management Review (publishedVersion)
Singapore Management University Institutional Knowledge (InK) (Singapore Management University) (submittedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Strategy and Management › Innovation and Knowledge Management
Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Strategy and Management › Intellectual Capital and Performance Analysis
Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Strategy and Management › International Business and FDI
Keywords: absorptive capacity, dynamic capabilities, competitive advantage, knowledge production, knowledge retention, organizational capabilities

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Absorptive Capacity: A Review, Reconceptualization, and Extension

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