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Reconceptualising absorptive capacity to explain the e‐enablement of the HR function (e‐HR) in organizations

Graeme Martin (Department of Management, Glasgow University, Glasgow, UK)
Martin Reddington (Department of Management, Glasgow University, Glasgow, UK)

Employee Relations

ISSN: 0142-5455

Article publication date: 14 August 2009

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to ask why some organizations might be better than others at continuous innovation in the field of e‐enablement of human resource (e‐HR).

Design/methodology/approach

To answer this question, the notion of absorptive capacity (ACAP) is applied to explain some of the problems faced in moving from face‐to‐face HR to a technology‐mediated model.

Findings

Dynamic ACAP models are adapted to produce a more realistic, iterative framework in which realized capacities for e‐HR innovations contribute to, and constrain, potential capacities for further innovations.

Research limitations/implications

The model is used to offer some research propositions for academics operating in this newly emerging field of human resource management (HRM).

Practical implications

Some theory‐driven advice are also offered for HR practitioners.

Originality/value

The specific contribution is to introduce the concept of ACAP to HRM scholars and practitioners interested in the field of e‐HR and Web 2.0 social media.

Keywords

Citation

Martin, G. and Reddington, M. (2009), "Reconceptualising absorptive capacity to explain the e‐enablement of the HR function (e‐HR) in organizations", Employee Relations, Vol. 31 No. 5, pp. 515-537. https://doi.org/10.1108/01425450910979266

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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